**Title: Woman Stabbed to Death by Ex-Husband Near Trikomo**
A tragic incident occurred on Monday morning in the village of Ayios Georgios, near Trikomo, where a 61-year-old woman, Saliha Ozkol, was fatally stabbed by her 71-year-old ex-husband. The attack reportedly followed an argument between the former couple, leading to Ozkol’s death at the scene due to the stab wounds inflicted by her ex-husband.
Following the incident, the assailant returned to his residence in Famagusta, where he allegedly inflicted serious injuries upon himself. He was subsequently transported to the Famagusta state hospital located on Salamis road for medical treatment.
Reports from the Turkish Cypriot newspaper Yeniduzen indicate that this violent episode is not an isolated occurrence. In 2024, Ozkol had previously been subjected to violence by her then-husband, which resulted in her being knocked unconscious. The man faced multiple legal charges, including trespassing, assault, illegal possession of a knife, battery, and failing to comply with a restraining order that Ozkol had secured against him.
On July 21 of the previous year, the Turkish Cypriot Famagusta district court addressed these charges, leading to the issuance of a restraining order that prohibited the man from being within 200 meters of Ozkol or communicating with her through any means, including written, verbal, or electronic communication. Additionally, he was sentenced to three months in prison for the assault.
In the wake of this tragic event, the opposition political party, the Republican Turkish Party (CTP), announced plans for a protest outside the office of ‘prime minister’ Unal Ustel on Tuesday. The protest aims to demand more effective measures to combat violence against women. The CTP expressed its outrage, stating, “We cannot wait for another woman to be murdered,” and called for the government’s resignation. They highlighted the ongoing pain from a recent ferry disaster attributed to negligence and incompetence, juxtaposing it with the urgency of addressing femicide.
The party emphasized that Ozkol's right to life was compromised due to her inability to escape male violence despite being divorced. They underscored the need for systemic change, stating, “For years, we have been asking, and unfortunately, we have to ask again today: how many more women will be murdered?” They characterized femicides as not isolated incidents but rather as manifestations of a broader issue of male violence and gender inequality that has been overlooked for years.
The CTP criticized the current state mechanisms designed to protect women and prevent violence, asserting that the gender equality department under the ‘labour ministry’ is not functioning effectively. They called for comprehensive state mechanisms to protect women at risk and provide early intervention to prevent such tragedies.
The party concluded with a strong message directed at the government, stating, “A government which cannot protect women, cannot prevent violence, and cannot implement the necessary mechanisms to this end is failing to fulfil its responsibility to govern.” They reiterated their call for the government to resign to ensure that measures are taken to prevent further loss of life.
This incident highlights the urgent need for effective policies and protective measures for women in the face of domestic violence, a concern that continues to resonate deeply within the community. As investigations continue, the tragic loss of Saliha Ozkol serves as a grim reminder of the ongoing challenges in addressing violence against women.