A Cyprus court has overturned the rejection of a Sierra Leone woman's asylum application, recognising her as a refugee. The woman had been subjected to forced marriage, domestic and sexual violence, and female genital mutilation. Judge Elena Riga ruled that the woman’s claims were credible and met the criteria for refugee protection under Cyprus law.

The woman left Sierra Leone in February 2021 and irregularly entered government-controlled Cyprus through the occupied north, applying for asylum in July 2021. Her initial application was denied by the Asylum Service, which ordered her return to Sierra Leone. However, her lawyer argued the application was not properly examined, highlighting risks including forced marriage, abuse, and mutilation.

The court found that the Asylum Service failed to adequately consider the woman’s circumstances and the significant danger she faced. It concluded that the conditions for refugee recognition were met and annulled the rejection, granting her international protection in Cyprus.