Paphos, Cyprus. A 58-year-old suspect accused of murdering 26-year-old Alexandros Antoniou in the Paphos district village of Konia will appear before the Paphos criminal court on Thursday. The suspect is to be transferred from the central prison in Nicosia for the continuation of his trial at 9am.
Court custody decision
The Paphos district court had ordered the defendant to remain in custody until the commencement of his trial, citing the possibility of non-appearance.
Alleged incident and victim’s death
An argument between the two men outside a kiosk in Konia on November 19 allegedly escalated when the 58-year-old pulled out a knife and stabbed Antoniou multiple times before fleeing the scene. Antoniou was taken to Paphos general hospital, where he died three days later.
Arrest and prosecution account
The suspect was apprehended on the day of the incident and was re-arrested on murder charges after Antoniou’s death. Upon his arrest, the 58-year-old told police he had been emotionally charged, saying Antoniou had previously been in a relationship with the suspect’s daughter during which problems arose.
Prosecution lawyer Sotiroula Papalazarou said police also have testimony that the suspect and victim had been engaged in an argument, during which the victim asked, “what do you want? What did I do?”, and the suspect responded, “did you hear what I told you? Leave her alone”.
Defence position
Defence lawyer Elias Stefanou had argued at an earlier hearing that the suspect’s intention was “not to strike a vital part of the 26-year-old’s body”.
What developments will you be watching for when the case returns to court on Thursday?