Cyprus Court of Appeal orders detention for man facing domestic violence charges

The Cyprus Court of Appeal has unanimously overturned a lower court decision and ordered the detention of a man accused of multiple domestic violence offenses. The defendant, who was already awaiting trial on separate charges involving child sexual abuse and the distribution of pornography, had been released under restrictive conditions by the Nicosia District Court on September 3, 2026. The Attorney General, George Savvides, appealed this release, arguing that the accused posed a significant flight risk and a danger to the public.

The suspect faces a total of 11 charges, including violence against women, harassment, and causing actual bodily harm. These alleged crimes were committed against his partner between July 2024 and August 2026, with an additional count involving malicious damage to her mother's residence. While the Nicosia District Court had initially refused to remand the suspect due to the complainant’s withdrawal of her statement, the Court of Appeal ruled that the risk of reoffending remained high, particularly because the new offenses were committed while the defendant was already on bail for previous serious crimes. He will remain in custody pending the start of his trial.