Femicide of 61-year-old woman in Ayios Georgios

On the morning of September 7, 2026, 61-year-old Saliha Ozkol was fatally stabbed at her home in the village of Ayios Georgios. The perpetrator, her 71-year-old ex-husband Mustafa Ak, attacked her in the yard at approximately 6:40 AM. Following the murder, Ak returned to his residence in Famagusta, where he attempted suicide. He was subsequently discovered by authorities with serious injuries and is currently hospitalized in critical condition at the Famagusta State Hospital.

Background reports indicate a history of domestic violence. In 2024, the victim had sought legal protection after being knocked unconscious by Ak, leading to court charges for assault and the issuance of a restraining order in August 2024, which prohibited the suspect from approaching within 200 meters or contacting her. Despite these measures, the incident occurred.

The murder has triggered political fallout, with the women’s wing of the Republican Turkish Party (CTP) demanding the resignation of the administration. During Ozkol's funeral, held on September 8 and attended by local officials, political figures described femicide as a systemic issue and criticized the failure to enforce existing protection laws.