Cyprus: Human Trafficking Sentence Reduced After Appeal

The Supreme Court of Cyprus upheld the conviction of a man for trafficking and exploiting foreign women, but reduced his sentence from ten to eight years in prison. The reduction stemmed from the overturning of two rape convictions due to lack of evidence.

The man was initially convicted by the Criminal Court of Famagusta on eleven counts related to the trafficking and exploitation of two women from India and Nepal, as well as sexual violence and violations of immigration laws.

The women were allegedly hired for agricultural work, but according to the indictment, the man exploited their vulnerable position. One woman reported exhaustive hours and sexual exploitation, while the other described confinement and indecent assaults.

The Supreme Court rejected the convicted man's claims of inadequate legal representation and incorrect assessment of the complainants' credibility. However, it ruled that the element of intercourse was not sufficiently proven in the two rape charges, resulting in their annulment.

The remaining convictions for labor exploitation, sexual exploitation, indecent assault, and illegal employment were upheld.