Newsroom
The high-profile terrorism case that has raised security concerns in Cyprus and Greece took a new turn on Friday, after the Larnaca District Court ordered the release of a 54-year-old man under strict conditions, ruling that the evidence connecting him to the alleged plot showed weaknesses.
The man is one of three suspects who were referred on Thursday for a direct trial before the Permanent Criminal Court, which is scheduled to begin on August 6.
However, after challenging his detention, the court ruled that while there appeared to be sufficient grounds for the case against the other two defendants to proceed, the testimony linking the 54-year-old to the alleged activities was not equally strong.
In its decision, the court said it found a “visible possibility of conviction” regarding the other defendants but noted that the evidence allegedly connecting the 54-year-old to the case contained weaknesses.
The court ordered his release on a €1 million bond backed by reliable guarantors. He must also surrender his travel documents and report to a police station four times a week.
The 54-year-old denies any involvement. According to information presented to the court, his name became connected to the investigation through packages containing suspicious materials that were allegedly received by relatives.
The case has attracted particular attention in Cyprus because the man has lived on the island for four decades and has four children serving in the Republic’s security forces, including the National Guard and the police.
His 57-year-old brother was also arrested during the investigation, but authorities reportedly found no evidence linking him to the case.
The other two defendants, aged 32 and 38, are alleged to be members of Hamas and are accused of preparing terrorist attacks targeting Israeli interests in Cyprus.
The investigation is part of a wider security operation involving authorities in Cyprus and Greece and has once again placed the spotlight on the island’s strategic location in the Eastern Mediterranean and the increasing security challenges linked to regional conflicts.
The defendants’ trial before the Criminal Court is expected to begin on August 6.
