Father Arrested for Illegal Detention of Children in Syria
June 2, 2026
Two minors, aged 16 and 7, stayed in Syria for six months due to their father's decision to take them on a short trip to Saudi Arabia. The father was arrested at Larnaca airport upon returning to Cyprus, as he was wanted for the illegal detention of the children. He claimed he took the children to Syria to learn about their heritage, without informing their mother. The children were picked up by the organization Hope For Children and returned to their mother. The father is currently in custody for further investigation of the case.