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The father of the two young children who lost their lives in Xylofagou returned to court on Wednesday as legal proceedings continued, with his defense asking for permission for him to travel to Bulgaria to attend their funeral.
The request will be examined after the defense submits a formal written application. The prosecuting authority will then respond in writing, with the court expected to rule on the matter at the next hearing on July 30.
During the latest proceedings before the Court of the British Bases of Dhekelia, the defendant was also introduced to his new defense lawyer, Christos Theodoulou.
The hearing was held via video conference, with a Supreme Court judge from Britain overseeing the proceedings.
Addressing the father, the judge acknowledged his request to travel for the funeral, saying that the matter would be formally considered once it was submitted in writing by his lawyer.
The court also gave instructions on the next steps of the case, ordering the prosecution to provide all evidence to the defense team.
At the next hearing, the charges will again be formally read to the defendant, who will then be asked whether he admits or denies them.
If he pleads not guilty, the case is expected to move towards trial, with the next hearing currently scheduled for November 30. However, both sides may request earlier dates if they agree.
The court also addressed the issue of a possible bail request. If the defense submits such a request, it will be examined in a closed-door hearing.
The question of whether future hearings should take place in public or privately will also be decided at a later stage, with both the prosecution and defense asked to state their positions.
The prosecution said it would consider the matter as the case progresses, while the defense said it was not yet in a position to respond.
What happened in Xylofagou
The case relates to the tragic deaths of two young children in Xylofagou on June 28, 2026, which shocked the local community and sparked widespread grief.
The father has been charged with causing death through a reckless and negligent act under the relevant provisions of the criminal code. The offense carries a possible prison sentence of up to four years, a fine, or both penalties.
The charges were filed during an earlier court appearance, while investigations into the circumstances surrounding the children’s deaths continued.
The court proceedings remain ongoing, and the defendant is considered innocent unless proven guilty. The next significant step will be the July 30 hearing, when the court is expected to decide on his request to travel to Bulgaria for his children’s funeral.
