The revelation of a tragic case of long-term child abuse behind their recent disappearance from care facilities appears to have been brought to light by a Cypriot Court of Appeals ruling that overturned the lower court’s decision and ordered the detention pending trial of the 46-year-old father and his two adult children, aged 23 and 21.

The three defendants face a total of 122 charges of serious acts of violence and abuse against the family’s minor children in a case that has shocked the public.

At the same time, the policehave released the identities of the alleged victims (three underage girls) who have been missing since June 30.

They are Sarra Esaifan, 17, and her sister, Kawtar Esaifan, 14, from Palestine, who have been missing from their residence in Aglantzia, in the Nicosia district, since June 30, 2026.

Sarra Esaifan is described as 1.62m tall, of average build, with black hair.  When she left, she was wearing blue knee-length shorts, a gray T-shirt, a black cardigan, and black-and-white sneakers.

Kawtar Esaifan is described as approximately 1.60m tall, of average build, with medium-length black hair. When she left, she was wearing blue knee-length shorts, a gray T-shirt, and white sneakers.

Anyone with information that may help locate her is asked to contact the Nicosia Criminal Investigation Department, at 22-802222, the nearest police station, or the Citizen’s Hotline at 1460.

The Police are also seeking information that may help locate 15-year-old AHLAM ESAIFAN, from Palestine, who has also been missing since June 30, 2026, from her home in the Famagusta district.

The missing person is described as approximately 1.60m tall, with dark hair, brown eyes, and long, curly brown hair. Anyone with information that may help locate her is asked to contact the Famagusta CID at 23-803040, the nearest police station, or the Citizen’s Hotline at 1460.

Regarding the part of the case currently before the court, the Cyprus Court of Appeals upheld the Attorney General’s appeals and overturned the decision of the Famagusta District Court, ordering the pretrial detention of three members of the same family who face a total of 122 charges of serious offenses of violence, abuse, and mistreatment of the family’s children.

The Court of Appeals ruled that the trial court had erred in releasing the defendants on bail, as there was a real risk of: of flight, given the seriousness of the charges and the potential for lengthy prison sentences, as well as the risk of witness tampering, especially since there were indications of an attempt to influence a minor complainant and, for two of the three defendants, of a likelihood of repeating similar offenses.

The Court also emphasized that, although the defendants have been living in Cyprus for 20 years as recognized refugees, are employed, and have no prior criminal record, these factors are not sufficient to outweigh the seriousness of the case and the risks identified.

As a result, the bail conditions and restrictive orders that had been imposed were revoked, and they were ordered to be detained until the start of the trial on July 16, 2026, before the Permanent Criminal Court of. 

The three defendants face a total of 122 charges for serious offenses allegedly committed against the family’s children from 2013 to May 2026. Among other things, the charges include systematic physical and psychological abuse, child maltreatment, abduction, indecent assault, sexual harassment, attempted child sexual abuse, causing bodily harm, threats, joint assaults, and degrading treatment.

According to the indictment, the minors allegedly lived for years under appalling conditions, facing violence, food deprivation, and restrictions on their freedom.

The defendants are the 46-year-old father, his 23-year-old daughter, and his 21-year-old son, all of whom are currently on trial. 

It should be noted that the case came to light only today, July 2, through the announcement of the Court of Appeals’ ruling, as the police had not issued a press release when the individuals involved were arrested and brought to justice.

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