Greek Cypriot parents to face trial over decade-long sexual and labour exploitation of their children

A man and a woman in south Cyprus are facing trials for forcing their five children into labour and subjected to abuse over several years in a village in Larnaca.

The man, a 48-year-old father and the woman, a 41-year-old mother were brought to court on Friday March 28 to be referred for direct trial before the Larnaca Criminal Court following their arrest several days ago.

According to sources, the case came to light when a girl disclosed to school staff the ordeal she and her siblings had been experiencing for years, prompting a police investigation that uncovered the situation.

The victims include four girls and one boy, aged between 7 and 23 years, with two of them not being the biological children of the male suspect.

According to authorities, the eldest daughter, now an adult, reported that her stepfather had repeatedly sexually abused her for approximately 10 years, allegations she claimed her mother was aware of. She further alleged that years ago, her stepfather once forced her to eat excrement and made her watch pornographic content with him.

Four of the five children were allegedly compelled to work in fields and livestock facilities, with some reporting physical violence. Allegations of abuse have also been made against the mother, while the youngest girl reportedly suffered psychological violence.

The relevant services have been notified and all five children have been placed under protective custody, officials confirmed.

Both parents face serious charges including exploitation of minors and forced labour. The 48-year-old man is also under investigation for sexual abuse of a minor.