KTAMS President Güven Bengihan has expressed serious worries about the growing number of foreign nationals in TRNC (Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus) prisons. According to recent data, there are currently 789 prisoners in TRNC jails. Shockingly, only 110 of them are TRNC citizens. This means the majority—over 85%—are from other countries.
Bengihan explained that 230 inmates are “third-country nationals,” meaning they come from places other than Türkiye or the TRNC. He stated, “Third-country prisoners now outnumber TRNC citizens by more than double,” blaming weak immigration rules and poor checks on international students for the problem.
Breaking down the numbers:
- 264 prisoners are Turkish citizens.
- 185 hold dual citizenship (e.g., TRNC and another country).
- 110 are TRNC citizens.
- 230 are from other countries.
The prisons also house 54 women and 29 children. Additionally, 81 people are still kept in an older, outdated prison facility. Bengihan warned that without stricter immigration controls and better monitoring of student visas, the overcrowded prison system will face even greater pressure.
