Three defendants facing a total of 122 charges linked to serious domestic violence offences against members of their own family will remain in custody until trial, after the Appeal Court overturned an earlier decision by the Famagusta District Court.
The case involves a 46-year-old father and his two adult children, who face multiple allegations said to have taken place between 2013 and May 2026 against other family members.
The three defendants have already been referred for trial before the Permanent Criminal Court of Famagusta, with proceedings scheduled to begin on 16 July 2026.
Court cites flight and witness concerns
According to the Appeal Court ruling, the lower court erred in finding that there was insufficient risk of absconding, witness interference or reoffending.
Judges stated that although the defendants have lived in Cyprus for around 20 years as recognised political refugees, are employed and have clean criminal records, these factors were not enough to offset the risks associated with the seriousness of the charges and the potential penalties if convicted.
The court noted that the father faces the most serious allegations, including kidnapping, subjecting a person to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment, indecent assault, sexual harassment, causing bodily harm, child abuse, breach of duties as head of the family and attempted child sexual abuse.
The two adult children also face charges including bodily harm, common assault, psychological abuse, harassment, resisting police officers and related offences.
Evidence described in court ruling
The Appeal Court also referred extensively to evidence presented before the lower court.
According to complaints made by the children involved in the case, the father allegedly beat them with a belt, kept food locked in a room, forced them to sleep on the floor and prevented them from leaving the house.
One daughter alleged that her father attempted to force her to undress in order to determine whether she was in a relationship and assaulted her after she refused.
Witness statements from neighbours and teachers reportedly claimed that the children frequently attended school hungry, wearing dirty clothes or showing visible signs of abuse.
The court also heard allegations that the father failed to cooperate with school authorities and did not allow the children to be examined by doctors.
Judges highlight witness interference risk
The Appeal Court placed particular emphasis on the possibility of witness interference, noting that most key witnesses are members of the same family.
Other potential witnesses include neighbours, the property owner, teachers and healthcare professionals.
The ruling specifically referred to information suggesting that one of the underage complainants had allegedly been approached by her accused sister and asked to withdraw her statement and claim her earlier allegations to police were false.
The Appeal Court further concluded that the lower court did not properly assess the risk of repeated offending, particularly concerning the father and one of the sons.
As a result, judges accepted the prosecution’s appeals, cancelled the lower court’s decision along with all bail conditions and ordered all three defendants to remain in custody until the trial begins on 16 July.
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