Turkish woman with 189 criminal records avoids prison again with 14th child
Ceylan Cicek is taken into custody after police identified her as a suspect in a burglary case in Istanbul, Türkiye, Mar. 16, 2025. (TGRT Photo)
A 36-year-old woman in Istanbul, who has a long history of criminal activity, avoided serving her prison sentence once again after giving birth to her 14th child.
Authorities previously sentenced her to 472 years in prison, but the punishment was postponed because of her pregnancy.
Police raid suspect’s home after identifying her through security footage
On Jan. 16, homeowners in Muratpasa Mahallesi, Kosova Caddesi, noticed a burglary and reported it to the police.
Officers examined footage from 51 security cameras and identified two suspects: Ceylan Cicek and Belkiz Ura. They launched an operation to capture both individuals.
On Feb. 22, police raided Cicek’s residence. She attempted to escape by jumping out of a window but failed. Officers arrested her and took her to the police station after a medical check-up, where her pregnancy was confirmed.
Court releases woman after childbirth despite previous convictions
During questioning, police found Cicek had 189 criminal records and was wanted in 20 different cases.
- She had already received a 12-year prison sentence
- Authorities had postponed an additional 472-year sentence because of her pregnancies
- Police also confirmed that she was pregnant with her 14th child
After completing the legal procedures, officers transferred her to court, where she was sent to prison. Authorities also confirmed that her accomplice, Belkiz Ura, had 54 criminal records and remained on the run.
Cicek gave birth to her 14th child after going to prison. Because her sentence had been deferred due to pregnancy, the court released her again. Reports indicate that she has used this method several times to avoid serving her prison sentence.
Authorities are continuing efforts to apprehend Ura while keeping track of Cicek’s legal status.
