ECHR: Cyprus Failed British Woman in Gang Rape Investigation

The European Court of Human Rights ruled that Cypriot authorities mishandled the investigation into a British woman's allegations of gang rape in Ayia Napa in 2019. The court found that the woman, then 19, faced a lack of effective investigation and was subjected to victim-blaming attitudes, resulting in her initial conviction for public mischief being overturned. The court awarded her €20,000 in damages and €5,000 in legal costs, emphasizing the need for a victim-sensitive approach in handling such cases. Despite the Supreme Court's ruling, Cypriot authorities have not initiated a new investigation into the alleged rape. Women's rights advocates hailed the ruling as a significant step in recognizing the rights of sexual violence victims and ensuring thorough investigations. The case has sparked widespread debate about the treatment of victims within the Cypriot legal system.