Pogo women’s group on Thursday slammed what it called an inadequate sentence after a teacher was jailed for 4.5 years for sexually abusing his students.
“Sexual offences against underage girls cannot be treated leniently, and the sentences imposed should be severe. They should be a deterrent so as to send a clear message to all perpetrators and society,” the Akel-affiliated group said in a statement.
A day earlier, a 59-year-old chemistry teacher was sentenced to 4.5 years in jail at Limassol criminal court.
He was found guilty of sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of individuals under the age of 15 and sexual harassment of a child.
The teacher had been reported in 2022 by nine of his students.
The crimes unfolded during his classes.
Pogo called the decision worrying “as it does not reflect the necessary seriousness with which such crimes should be treated”.
“We firmly believe that the legislation must be strengthened, and the penalties made more severe in order to effectively protect the rights and dignity of women and underage victims.”
It called for a serious and in-depth review of the penalties for sexual offences. “We call on the state to act immediately by introducing stricter penalties that will act as a deterrent and enhance the sense of justice and security in society.”
