child sexual — The Court of Appeal in Cyprus has increased a man’s prison sentence in a child sexual abuse case, reflecting a commitment to protecting vulnerable minors. The ruling came after the Attorney General argued that the original sentence was excessively lenient.
- The orders issued by the trial court, including referring the defendant to the Supervisory Authority, remain in effect, ensuring continued oversight of the case.
- The Attorney General's office was represented by state prosecutor Louiza Sigar, who argued for an appropriate sentence that reflects the gravity of the crimes.
Initially, the Limassol Criminal Court had sentenced the man to a concurrent six-year term for sexually abusing his underage daughter in 2023. However, the Attorney General found this sentence to be manifestly inadequate, prompting an appeal.
In a unanimous decision on May 18, 2026, the Court of Appeal replaced the original ruling with a ten-year sentence for each count, emphasising the need for sentences to appropriately reflect the severity of such crimes. The court stated, “The sentence must therefore, without ignoring the circumstances of the defendant, reflect precisely the need to protect underage victims from would-be offenders, given the alarming increase in the commission of such offences.”
This case highlights the judicial system’s ongoing efforts to address and penalise sexual offences against minors, particularly when the perpetrator holds a position of trust and authority over the victim. The court’s decision reinforces the message that the protection of children is paramount and that the legal system will act decisively against those who exploit their position.
The orders issued by the trial court, including referring the defendant to the Supervisory Authority, remain in effect, ensuring continued oversight of the case.
The Attorney General’s office was represented by state prosecutor Louiza Sigar, who argued for an appropriate sentence that reflects the gravity of the crimes.
