Court rejects motion to dismiss Pyla torture case

On Monday, the Permanent Criminal Court of Larnaca rejected an application by a 48-year-old defendant to dismiss the Pyla torture case on the grounds of abuse of process. The court deemed the application premature, ruling that current evidence did not support the defense’s claim that two separate indictments—one regarding incidents at the Larnaca police headquarters and another regarding torture at a Pyla property—should have been consolidated. The case involves two defendants, aged 48 and 27, who appeared in court under heavy security. The 48-year-old faces charges of torture, unlawful deprivation of liberty with intent to cause harm, grievous bodily harm, assault, and demanding property with menaces. The 27-year-old faces charges of unlawful deprivation of liberty, torture, and assault. There are six alleged victims in total, three of whom are Cypriot nationals, with one currently residing abroad. The proceedings have been adjourned until July 30, when both defendants are expected to enter pleas to the charges.