Limassol police officer acquitted in child abuse case after five years of suspension

The Limassol court fully acquitted a police sergeant who was accused of sexual abuse of a minor. The complaint against the officer and his wife was filed in 2020. According to the prosecution, the man was suspected of committing sexual acts against a child within his care. The wife was charged with complicity — it was alleged that she knew about the acts but took no action.

After the investigation began, the police officer was immediately suspended administratively. This suspension lasted nearly five years — throughout the investigation and court proceedings. The trial was conducted in closed sessions to protect the privacy of the minor and to comply with regulations in sexual offense cases.

The key evidence for the prosecution was the child’s testimony under oath. However, during the trial, the court concluded that this testimony was insufficiently reliable and could not serve as a basis for a conviction. As a result, both defendants — the officer and his wife — were fully acquitted. Both were represented by the same lawyer.

Thus, the court ruling closed a prolonged criminal case that lasted almost five years. Since the officer was suspended administratively rather than by court order, he may theoretically be eligible to return to service, provided there are no other disciplinary or legal obstacles.