Larnaca parents arrested for abusing five children

Larnaca police have arrested a married couple suspected of abusing their five children over a long period of time. The father and mother had been forcing them to work.

According to police, the man and woman, aged 41 and 28, were arrested earlier this week after filing a complaint with the domestic violence unit. The parents appeared before Larnaca District Court today to take the case to the Permanent Criminal Court. They are accused of child abuse and forced underage labor.

The child abuse came to light after a minor girl spoke at school about the ordeal she and her siblings had endured in recent years. A police complaint was then filed.

The older daughter, who is now an adult, said her 48-year-old stepfather began sexually abusing her about 10 years ago. According to the victim, the mother was aware of the abuse.

In addition, the 48-year-old man forced four of the five children to work in fields and livestock farms for years, according to the investigation, with some of them claiming he abused and beat them. There are also allegations of abuse against the mother.

The competent services have already been informed of the family situation and have taken all five children under their protection. The investigation is ongoing.