Limassol, Cyprus. The trial into the premeditated murder of Limassol businessman Stavros Demosthenous was postponed on Tuesday to April 29 after testimonial material emerged that has yet to be disclosed to the defence. The court said the delay was needed to ensure the defence has full access to the evidential record before responding to the charges.
Postponement and disclosure dispute
The criminal court ruled that the postponement was necessary so the defence could review the full evidential record. Defence lawyers argued that the late disclosure undermines their ability to proceed, with several stating that there is a lack of evidence and that their clients are not in a position to answer the accusations.
Detention and conditional release application
The court will deliver a decision on Thursday on an application for conditional release filed on behalf of one of the accused. Lawyers for four defendants, two aged 30, one aged 31 and one aged 28, did not object to their continued detention until the rescheduled hearing.
Case background and charges
The case concerns the fatal shooting of Demosthenous, 49, on October 17, 2025, in the Ayios Athanasios area of Limassol. He was shot while seated in a vehicle driven by his 18-year-old son, in what investigators believe was a targeted attack involving multiple vehicles, including a van and a motorcycle.
Six defendants aged 28 to 51 face charges including premeditated murder, arson of a vehicle, illegal possession of a firearm, and vehicle theft.
Defence challenge over Thessaloniki arrest
A procedural dispute centres on a 28-year-old defendant arrested with another suspect in Thessaloniki under a European arrest warrant. His lawyer challenged his continued detention, telling the court there is no testimony against him and that the prosecution case relies on circumstantial evidence, including closed-circuit footage placing him in the wider area.
What do you think the court should prioritise when new testimonial material emerges shortly before a trial is due to proceed?
