Appellate court upholds detention in Larnaca torture case despite withdrawn complaint

On November 5, 2026, the Court of Appeal in Cyprus rejected an appeal for the release of an accused individual involved in a high-profile torture case in Larnaca. The court upheld a previous ruling from the Larnaca Criminal Court, maintaining the defendant's custody despite the complainant submitting a sworn statement withdrawing their original accusation and expressing a desire not to testify.

The case centers on 20 charges, including three severe counts involving deprivation of liberty with intent to cause grievous harm, torture, and actual bodily harm. According to the indictment, the victim was subjected to brutal acts including having a pistol inserted into their mouth, being struck with a belt, and suffering threats involving a knife and an electric shock device. The court determined that the complainant's sudden reversal does not invalidate the existing evidentiary material, which remains sufficient to support the potential for a future conviction.

Legal proceedings are ongoing, with the court citing risks of flight and witness interference as primary justifications for denying the release. Authorities have indicated that the circumstances surrounding the withdrawal of the complaint are subject to further investigation, while the trial continues to move forward in the Larnaca Criminal Court.