More than 100 people released from prison after being convicted of sexual offences against minors are currently under supervision in Cyprus, amid concerns over gaps in the monitoring system due to the absence of dedicated inspectors.
A draft bill intended to strengthen the powers of the supervision authority and tighten monitoring procedures has been moving between the Legal Service and the Social Welfare Services since 2024, without being submitted to parliament.
Data from the Central Prisons show that 100 people are currently serving prison sentences for sexual offences against minors, while a further 20 are being held on remand for similar offences.
In addition, 28 inmates are serving sentences for sexual offences against adults, and 13 others are on remand in related cases.
Taken together, 161 people are either in custody or on remand for sexual offences against both minors and adults.
The number of released offenders under supervision has increased from around 70 a year ago to approximately 100 at present, according to the information provided.
The Supervision Authority oversees individuals released after conviction for sexual offences against minors and operates under a framework that includes restrictions on employment and residence, psychological support and therapeutic interventions, as well as risk assessment and monitoring by relevant services.
The authority may also receive offenders through court orders at various stages of criminal proceedings, through supervision orders requested by the Attorney-General, or upon their release from prison via notification from the Prisons Department.
It was established by a Council of Ministers decision in September 2014 and is chaired by the Director-General of the Ministry of Justice.
Officials say the authority assesses each case using reports from mental health services, social welfare services and the police, and determines appropriate supervisory measures, including treatment or psychological support, while reviewing compliance over time.
A draft bill prepared by the Ministry of Justice and Public Order, in cooperation with other competent ministries and services, aims to strengthen the system by allowing the appointment of supervisors and introducing additional restrictions on convicted offenders.
These measures would include bans on entering areas near schools or places frequented by children, restrictions on internet access, possible curfews, mandatory reporting to police stations, and obligations to disclose new relationships involving partners with children, as well as informing partners of past convictions.
The draft also provides for compulsory participation in treatment programmes and requirements to notify authorities of changes in address or employment.
In a separate recent case, a psychologist and a sports coach were sentenced by the Limassol Criminal Court to prison terms for sexual offences against minors, with additional post-release restrictions imposed, including bans on working with children or in environments where children are present for a period of three years after release.
