Newsroom
Five men accused in connection with a violent incident involving gunfire in central Larnaca have been committed directly to trial before the Permanent Criminal Court of Larnaca. The case relates to clashes that occurred on the afternoon of Saturday, 17 January.
The trial is scheduled to begin on 16 March at 8:45 a.m. Until then, the court must decide whether the accused will remain in custody.
The defendants, aged 20, 26, 26, 32, and 48, appeared on today before the Larnaca District Court under heightened security. Police are also seeking three additional suspects in relation to the same case, aged 26, 27, and 35.
Defense lawyers opposed a police request to keep their clients in detention until the start of proceedings at the Criminal Court. A ruling on this matter is expected to be delivered on 29 January.
Investigators are examining a wide range of serious offenses against the five men, including conspiracy to commit a felony, illegal possession and transport of a firearm, unlawful possession of explosives, extortion, threats made to obtain property, participation in a criminal organization, and assault resulting in actual bodily harm.
Two of the accused—a 48-year-old and one of the 26-year-olds—are also implicated in a separate incident that allegedly took place in Pyla at around 4:00 a.m. on 17 January, during which a 39-year-old man was reportedly beaten. A 27-year-old suspect is wanted in connection with that incident.
Further charges under investigation include causing grievous bodily harm, causing actual bodily harm, issuing threats, and carrying a knife.
