Update on criminal court cases in Larnaca

The Permanent Assize Court of Larnaca has postponed several ongoing criminal trials. Five individuals, including four political refugees from Jordan and Palestine and one Cypriot national, remain in custody awaiting a May 22 hearing regarding a shooting incident in Larnaca city center on January 17. In a separate case involving incidents of torture in Pyla, a 48-year-old and a 27-year-old face 16 charges, including kidnapping and illegal possession of firearms, with their next hearing scheduled for May 25. Additionally, the trial of a 22-year-old soldier accused of attempted murder against a 47-year-old in July 2025 has been set for June 25. The defendant in the attempted murder case has pleaded not guilty to nine charges, following a police operation that recovered a 9mm pistol and other incriminating items. Law enforcement authorities are still seeking three additional suspects aged 26, 27, and 35 regarding the initial Larnaca shooting incident. All defendants currently remain in police detention.