A 36-year-old Cameroonian man appeared before the Permanent Criminal Court of Larnaca on July 27, 2026, where he pleaded not guilty to eleven charges. These charges include abduction with intent to confine, abduction with intent to cause actual bodily harm, threatening violence, assault causing actual bodily harm, psychological abuse, carrying a knife, and unlawful entry.

The case stems from a standoff on March 25, 2026, when the suspect was observed on a balcony of a Larnaca apartment holding a knife and threatening two women of African descent. Police were alerted at approximately 3:30 p.m. by a local resident. The scene was cordoned off by the Larnaca Criminal Investigation Department, and specialized units, including negotiators and the Special Anti-Terrorist Squad, were deployed to manage the situation.

The court has scheduled the start of the trial for October 12, 2026. The defendant will remain in custody until the legal proceedings commence.