Cyprus Legal Service: Prison Murder Case Unprecedented

The Legal Service describes the premeditated murder case at the Central Prisons as unprecedented for Cyprus. Five defendants, including three prison guards, were found guilty on Tuesday.

The Nicosia Permanent Criminal Court found the three prison guards, the main defendant, and another defendant guilty of drug possession in connection with the murder of Tansu Çıdan on October 27, 2022. The legal proceedings lasted over a year and a half.

Two prison guards faced charges of manslaughter by negligence for failing to conduct checks and take protective measures, resulting in Çıdan's death. On October 27, 2022, the victim called for help, but the guards neglected to intervene. They ignored a second call and sent medical dressings via other inmates.

Their negligence allowed the main defendant to continue the attack, leading to Çıdan's death. During the evening count, the guards did not enter the victim's cell.

The third prison guard was convicted of causing death by reckless action, as he failed to address the risk as the shift supervisor.

The main defendant was convicted of premeditated murder, as he relentlessly beat the victim for approximately 48 hours. The Criminal Court accepted the defendant's intention to kill the victim.

August 13, 2025, was set as the date for mitigation pleas.