Three men acquitted in Kornos attempted murder trial

The Larnaca Permanent Assize Court has acquitted three Syrian nationals, aged 24, 25, and 27, of all charges related to the attempted murder of a 30-year-old compatriot in Kornos. The incident occurred on the afternoon of January 9, 2025, when the victim was shot while sitting in his vehicle after traveling from Paphos to meet an individual who had expressed interest in purchasing his car. The victim sustained injuries to his right arm and shoulder but managed to escape and seek medical attention at a private clinic in Limassol.

The defendants faced six charges, including conspiracy to commit murder, attempted murder, and the illegal possession and transport of firearms and explosives. The prosecution’s case relied on circumstantial evidence, specifically linking the men to two vehicles allegedly involved in the attack, one of which was later found abandoned in Alethriko. However, the court ruled that there was insufficient evidence to prove the defendants were occupants of the getaway car or that they had any involvement in the crime. The presiding judges noted that the prosecution failed to even place one of the defendants in the vicinity of Kornos on the day of the shooting, characterizing the state's case as based on conjecture. Consequently, the court dismissed all charges, leaving the true identities of the perpetrators unknown.