Two prison guards sentenced to three years each for the death of inmate Tansu Cindan in Nicosia

The Nicosia Criminal Court on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, handed down sentences in the case of the death of Turkish Cypriot inmate Tansu Cindan in the Central Prisons. Two of the three guards, found guilty of failing to provide assistance (manslaughter through inaction), were sentenced to three years in prison each.

The third guard, convicted of causing death through reckless and thoughtless action, received 18 months with a three-year suspended sentence. The main defendant, found guilty of intentional murder — reportedly for repeatedly beating the victim on October 26–27, 2022 — was sentenced to life imprisonment; additional sentences for possession and use of drugs will be served concurrently. Another inmate, convicted of drug possession and distribution, received one year for each offense, served concurrently.

According to the Cyprus News Agency (ΚΥΠΕ), the court had previously postponed sentencing after the hearing on August 13. For residents of Cyprus, this decision emphasizes that courts handle cases of deaths in detention facilities and impose criminal penalties on officials; relatives and inmate advocates are advised to follow the progress of investigations and court outcomes.