Larnaca, Cyprus. A 57-year-old man charged alongside two other suspects in a terrorism case was released on €1 million bail on Friday after the Larnaca criminal court rejected a request for his continued detention. The court said the testimony allegedly linking him to the case presented weaknesses.
Court ruling
“The entire testimony concerning the 57-year-old that allegedly links him to the present case presents weaknesses. Therefore, the request for his detention is rejected and specific conditions are imposed,” the court said in its ruling.
The man faces charges of terrorism and participation in a criminal organisation alongside two co-defendants aged 32 and 38. He had appealed against his detention and denied any involvement in the case.
Alleged connection to the case
According to the court, the defendant’s alleged connection to the case stems from packages containing suspicious materials that were received by relatives.
As conditions of his release, the 57-year-old must sign a €1 million bond with creditworthy guarantors, surrender all travel documents and report to a police station four times a week.
Family background
The court heard that he has lived in Cyprus for 40 years and has four children employed in the country’s security services, including the police and National Guard.
One of his children serves in the Cyprus police and reportedly has access to law enforcement databases, while three others are employed by the National Guard as contract soldiers.
Official response
Defence Minister Vasilis Palmas said on Wednesday that the public should distinguish between the investigation involving the father and the professions of his children, adding that any relevant inquiries would be carried out by the competent authorities.
Related developments
Police had previously arrested the 57-year-old’s brother but later released him after finding no evidence linking him to the case.
According to the Cyprus News Agency (CNA), the two remaining suspects are believed to have planned acts of terrorism against Israeli targets in Cyprus.