Cyprus Court of Appeal upholds detention for Khaled Mortaga in terror case

The Cyprus Court of Appeal unanimously rejected an appeal last week filed by Khaled Mortaga, who challenged his continued pre-trial detention. Mortaga, along with four other individuals, faces serious charges related to terrorism and participation in a criminal organization. The initial detention order was issued by the Larnaca District Court on August 6, 2026, mandating that the defendants remain in custody until the start of their trial before the Assize Court, scheduled for October 14, 2026.

The charges against the group include conspiracy to commit a felony with the intent to provide support to a terrorist organization, participation in a criminal organization, and the unauthorized possession of explosive precursor substances. In his appeal, Mortaga presented five legal arguments, claiming that the initial court failed to properly assess his flight risk and treated detention as a standard procedure rather than an exception. He had proposed alternative measures, including the payment of a bond, to secure his release pending trial.

Following the dismissal of the appeal, all five defendants remain in custody. The case remains under the jurisdiction of the Assize Court, with legal proceedings set to move forward on the established date of October 14, 2026.