Court martial takes over Stavrovouni commando’s case

A military commando officer, who was arrested last week following the discovery of hidden weapons and explosives in Stavrovouni, is being court-martialed in Nicosia.

The officer, a 47-year-old from Limassol serving in the Cyprus Special Forces, was placed under police arrest on August 22 in connection with an accidental discovery of a small arsenal stashed away in Stavrovouni.

On August 1, authorities discovered a revolver, explosives, a match cord, a hood, a smoke grenade and a hand grenade wrapped inside a tarpaulin. It was found by a maintenance worker carrying out repairs in the ceiling inside the communal showers at the Stavrovouni army camp.

DNA tests pointed to the permanent commission army officer, who was placed under arrest and remanded for six days by the Larnaca District Court.

But the charges against the officer violated military code, according to CNA News Agency, and the commando was transported to Nicosia on Tuesday in order to appear before a special court-martial.

The military judge said he would announce his decision on Wednesday, in response to police asking for the officer to remain in custody.

Police investigators say the weaponry found in Stavrovouni were items believed to be used extensively in criminal activities.