**Court Hears Details of Fatal Attack on Woman with Rotary Saw**
Nicosia, Cyprus – A 41-year-old man accused of murdering his wife appeared in a Turkish Cypriot district court on Wednesday for the second time, as police provided a detailed account of the tragic events leading to the death of 35-year-old Rukiye Tuncer. The incident occurred on Saturday evening near the motorway connecting Nicosia and Morphou.
According to a police representative, the couple was involved in a heated argument while driving towards Nicosia. The dispute escalated, resulting in the man veering the vehicle into a field close to the Yerolakkos industrial area. It was at this location that the man allegedly attacked Tuncer with a rotary saw, striking her repeatedly on the head, which ultimately led to her death.
Following the incident, authorities apprehended the suspect and conducted a search of his home. The police representative indicated that no illegal items were discovered during this search. An autopsy on Tuncer's remains confirmed that she died from "tissue damage due to head trauma," reinforcing the severity of the attack.
In the wake of the incident, the police have initiated a thorough investigation, which includes reviewing local CCTV footage and examining mobile phone records related to the couple. At the conclusion of Wednesday's hearing, Judge Gizem Erciyes ordered that the accused remain in custody for an additional eight days as the investigation continues.
Tuncer's death marks the second femicide reported within a week in the Turkish Cypriot community. Just days prior, on Monday, 61-year-old Saliha Ozkol was fatally stabbed by her 71-year-old ex-husband, highlighting a troubling trend of violence against women in the region.
In response to the recent spate of violence, banners reading “I do not want to die” appeared across various locations on the island, including along the motorway where Tuncer was killed. These banners were placed by the women’s branch of the Turkish Cypriot opposition political party, CTP, as part of a campaign to raise awareness about gender-based violence.
Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhurman has called for the development of an "action plan" aimed at protecting women from violence in the community. He expressed his concerns regarding the alarming incidents of violence against women, stating, "What I have read, seen, and heard frightens me." Erhurman emphasized the need for a comprehensive strategy that includes not only legal reforms but also initiatives to promote women's economic independence and education, both formal and informal.
He further noted that cultural development is essential for societal progress, underscoring the importance of addressing the underlying cultural issues that contribute to violence against women. "Our vision should be one of zero loss of life and zero violence," he added during an interview with television channel Kanal Sim.
As the investigation into Tuncer's murder unfolds, the community remains on high alert, grappling with the implications of these violent acts and the urgent need for effective measures to protect women from similar fates. The court proceedings will continue to attract attention as the case develops, reflecting broader societal concerns about safety and gender-based violence in Cyprus.