Appeals court orders custody for three defendants in domestic violence case

The Cyprus Appeal Court has overturned a lower court's decision to release three defendants awaiting trial for 122 counts of domestic violence against family members. The accused, a 46-year-old man and his two adult children, are scheduled to appear before the Permanent Criminal Court of Famagusta on July 16, 2026. The alleged offences took place between 2013 and May 2026. Although the lower court initially granted release due to the defendants' long-term residency as political refugees and clean criminal records, the Appeal Court found these factors insufficient to mitigate risks of flight, witness tampering, or reoffending. The father faces severe charges, including kidnapping, cruel and inhuman treatment, sexual harassment, and child abuse. His children face charges including bodily harm, psychological abuse, and resisting police. The court emphasized that the gravity of the potential sentences necessitated their remand in custody until the trial concludes.