Cyprus Court of Appeals rules on high-profile detention cases

The Cyprus Court of Appeals recently issued rulings on two distinct cases involving pre-trial detention. In the first case, the court unanimously rejected an appeal by Khaled Mortaga, who faces serious terrorism-related charges alongside four other individuals. The defendants are accused of conspiracy, participation in a criminal organization, and possession of explosive precursors. The trial is scheduled to commence before the Criminal Court on October 14, 2026, following the initial detention order issued by the Larnaca District Court on August 6, 2026. The defense had argued that the risk of flight was not properly evaluated, but the court upheld the detention.

In a separate legal development, the Court of Appeals overturned a lower court's decision to release a defendant accused of 11 charges, including domestic violence, harassment, and psychological abuse. Acting on an appeal by the Attorney General, the appellate judges ruled on September 17, 2026, that the risk of re-offending was significant. The defendant remains in custody, with the court citing his prior criminal history involving theft and malicious damage. Both rulings reflect a strict judicial approach toward pre-trial detention to ensure public safety and the integrity of the upcoming legal proceedings.