Kyrenia, Cyprus. A teacher accused of sexually abusing and harassing five underage students at the Hala Sultan theological college was remanded in prison on Friday for a period not exceeding two months as investigations continue. The allegations involve boys aged between 14 and 16.
Court appearance and allegations
The suspect appeared before a “court” in the north facing allegations including sexual abuse of minors under 16, sexual harassment and assault involving students he taught during the 2025 to 2026 academic year.
Complaints and investigation
According to “police” testimony presented before the “court”, complaints were filed on Tuesday after students allegedly reported the incidents to teachers at the school, prompting an internal notification to parents and a subsequent police investigation. Authorities said statements had been taken from teachers, students and parents as part of what “police” described as a “wide ranging investigation”.
Arrest at Kyrenia port
“Police officer” Soner Saban told the court the suspect was arrested on the same day while attempting to board a ferry to Turkey at the port of Kyrenia.
Student statements and phone examination
The testimony heard in “court” stated that five male students had provided statements in the presence of social services officers. “Police” also confirmed that the suspect’s mobile phone had been seized and would undergo examination by the “police” data analysis branch.
Suspect’s statement and defence arguments
According to investigators, the suspect “voluntarily confessed that his actions were part of a joke,” though authorities did not provide further details regarding the nature of the alleged conduct. During the hearing, the defence argued that the suspect had no intention of fleeing and had been planning to travel to Turkey for appointments. Defence counsel also challenged the credibility of statements made by families of the students involved.
What do you think about the court’s decision to remand the suspect in prison while the investigation continues?
