Lapithos, Cyprus. Seven girls aged between 12 and 15 have alleged they were sexually abused by a 64-year-old man at a horse-riding school, as investigators in the north continue their inquiry into the case.
The suspect remained in custody on Tuesday after a court remanded him for a further three days.
Growing number of complaints
The case has drawn widespread attention after the number of complainants reportedly rose from two to seven within days.
Turkish Cypriot media reported that the allegations concern a horse farm in Lapithos, where the girls attended riding lessons. All seven complainants are reported to be foreign nationals.
Investigation
The investigation began after a British woman reported that her two daughters, aged 15 and 12, had allegedly been sexually abused by her Turkish Cypriot partner.
Following publicity surrounding the initial allegations, five more girls reportedly came forward with similar complaints.
The girls allege that the suspect attempted to prevent them from reporting the abuse through intimidation, repeatedly telling them that no one would believe them.
Custody extended
A court initially ordered the man’s detention on July 10 and extended it for a further three days on Tuesday.
Investigators are collecting witness statements, examining evidence and determining whether there may be additional victims, according to reports.
