Three Azerbaijani citizens detained after Northern Cyprus shipwreck

Three Azerbaijani citizens—Valeh Hümbətov, Rəşad İbrahimov, and Qədir Quliyev—have been detained following a shipwreck off the coast of Girne in Northern Cyprus that resulted in eight deaths.

Orxan Həsənoğlu, head of the Azerbaijan-Cyprus Friendship Society, stated that the detained individuals were technical staff members rather than decision-makers. He emphasized that their detention during the investigation does not imply guilt and noted that they reportedly risked their lives to assist others during the accident, unlike the ship's captain and assistant who allegedly fled the vessel.

During recent court proceedings, a three-day detention was ordered for the individuals. However, due to insufficient evidence, the next court hearing has been scheduled for eight days from now. Police have reportedly taken statements from nearly one hundred people, including passengers and port personnel, as part of the ongoing investigation.