Court of Appeal keeps Brazilian nationals in custody over Kornos wildfire

The Cyprus Court of Appeal has unanimously rejected an appeal by two Brazilian nationals, a 27-year-old man and a 29-year-old woman, upholding a detention order that will keep them in custody until their trial. The defendants, who are Limassol residents, are scheduled to appear before the Larnaca Criminal Court on October 21, 2026, to face multiple serious charges.

The charges stem from an incident on August 2, 2026, in the Kornos region. Authorities allege the pair purchased a lighter and fountain-style fireworks at a local kiosk before igniting them in a nearby field, which sparked a blaze in dry grass. Witnesses reported that the defendants were seen laughing as they entered their vehicle after the fire started. Furthermore, the female defendant reportedly refused to provide water to individuals attempting to extinguish the flames. Among the charges the pair faces are arson, attempted arson, causing a fire in a state forest, reckless and negligent acts, and multiple counts of conspiracy to commit felonies and misdemeanors.

The court’s decision ensures the defendants will remain in legal detention as they await the start of the judicial proceedings in Larnaca next month. The legal process will continue as scheduled on the specified October date.