**Missing Man’s Father Blames Court for Son’s Disappearance After Failed Rehab Attempt**
The father of a 32-year-old man from Limassol, reported missing earlier this week, has publicly accused a criminal court judge of obstructing his son’s entry into a rehabilitation program, a decision he claims contributed to the young man's current situation. Alexandros Sophocleous has been unaccounted for since Monday, prompting ongoing police efforts to locate him and a public appeal for information.
In a letter addressed to the media outlet Sigma on Wednesday, the father expressed his distress over the circumstances surrounding his son's disappearance. He stated that Alexandros had agreed to enter the Ayia Skepi rehabilitation clinic following the conclusion of criminal proceedings scheduled for today. The father noted that psychiatrists, psychologists, and staff from Athalassa hospital, along with the rehabilitation center, had collaborated with the family to encourage Alexandros to seek treatment, and that the clinic had already accepted him for admission.
“Alexander was ready to go for rehab and treatment,” the father wrote. However, he claimed that the presiding judge explicitly prohibited his son from attending the Ayia Skepi facility. “As a result, today Alexander is absent from his home and we, his parents, are living a hell,” he lamented.
The father also raised concerns about the legal authority of judges in such matters, questioning, “By what right can any judge prohibit a mentally ill person from receiving treatment?” He holds the judge responsible for his son’s current predicament, emphasizing the urgent need for intervention in cases involving mental health and substance dependency.
In addition to his public statements, the father revealed that he had previously reached out to Attorney General George Savvides in November 2025, seeking assistance in his son's case. He claims that no action was taken following that appeal. A family friend has since submitted further documentation, including legal and medical records, to both the Attorney General and his deputy, Savvas Angelides, urging them to review the situation.
The family has provided a detailed history of Alexandros's mental health struggles, which includes repeated hospital admissions and issues related to substance dependency. They are advocating for legal measures that would support his rehabilitation and ensure that individuals facing similar challenges receive the necessary treatment.
As the search for Alexandros continues, police have urged anyone with information that could assist in locating him to come forward. Individuals can contact the Limassol Criminal Investigation Department, the nearest police station, or the public hotline at 1460.
The case has drawn attention to the complexities surrounding mental health treatment, legal proceedings, and the responsibilities of the judicial system in ensuring that individuals in need of care receive appropriate support. As the Sophocleous family navigates this difficult time, their hope remains that their son will be found safe and that necessary changes may be made to prevent similar situations in the future.