Trial begins for the murder of businessman Stavros Demosthenous in Limassol

The trial of three men accused of the murder of businessman Stavros Demosthenous began on October 26, 2026, at the Permanent Criminal Court in Limassol. Demosthenous, a former chairman of Karmiotissa FC, was fatally shot on October 17, 2025, in Ayios Athanasios, while traveling in a vehicle driven by his son.

The three defendants, a 31-year-old and two 28-year-olds, face charges including premeditated murder, conspiracy, and illegal possession of firearms and explosives. Prosecution claims suggest the 31-year-old drove the getaway van, one 28-year-old acted as the gunman, and the other assisted in the escape by car after the perpetrators abandoned a motorcycle. During the first hearing, both sides submitted agreed facts relating to 17 witness statements, mostly from police officers involved in the investigation.

Three other individuals previously linked to the case have been cleared; charges against two were discontinued, and one was convicted solely for car theft. The three current defendants remain in custody at the Central Prisons, with court proceedings scheduled to resume on November 2, 2026, to present further evidence.