COVID19: Man jailed for breaking curfew to see girlfriend maybe reprieved

Cyprus’ Attorney General is mulling over whether to intervene in the case of a love-struck Romeo who was jailed for 45 days after breaking COVID-19 curfew to see his girlfriend.

Many deem the prison term to be harsh in this case, especially when there are other options for punishment.

Costas Clerides told the Cyprus News Agency the legal services are in consultation with President Nicos Anastasiades, in considering intervening in the case to mitigate the man’s sentence.

The 35-year-old man from the Famagusta region was sentenced to jail with immediate effect after he broke the curfew to go see his girlfriend on March 25.

Asked to comment on the case, the legal advisor to the Association for the Protection of Prisoners and Released Prisoners, Alexandros Clerides said that at a time when efforts are underway to prevent prison overcrowding, it was concerning to see such developments.

He told CNA, that since 2017, the association has been urging alternative sentences in such cases, arguing that the man’s jail term could have been suspended.

“The court has the authority to impose the sentence it deems appropriate given the facts before it, including suspending a sentence.”

He argued that an alternative sentence could have been a court order to work in a hospital under supervision for 45 days.

“The immediate imprisonment of a person should always be the last option in cases where any other sentence cannot be applied.”