Minor suspect identified in Limassol sexual assault case

A 17-year-old Syrian national, initially presented as a 19-year-old, is the subject of an ongoing investigation regarding the sexual assault of a 14-year-old girl in Limassol who subsequently gave birth. The suspect's legal counsel provided government-certified documents confirming he is 17 years old, leading to a change in legal procedure. Under instructions from the Legal Service, the case has been transferred from the Assize Court to the Three-Member Juvenile Court in Limassol. On May 4, the suspect appeared before the Juvenile Court, and a hearing has been scheduled for late May. The defendant denies all seven charges, including rape and paternity of the child, and DNA samples from both the suspect and the infant have been collected to verify these claims. The suspect has been released under restrictive conditions, including a 10,000 euro bail bond, a travel ban, and a daily police reporting requirement. Furthermore, he is legally prohibited from approaching or contacting the victim.