Larnaca, Cyprus. Two defendants accused in the Pyla torture case appeared before the Larnaca permanent criminal court on Monday, where one raised a claim of abusive prosecution and the other challenged his continued detention.
Case background
The case concerns allegations of torture, abduction and organised criminal activity linked to incidents in Larnaca during the summer of 2025. The two accused, aged 48 and 27, face 16 joint charges connected to the investigation.
Defence applications
During the proceedings, the 48-year-old requested additional time to raise an issue described by his defence as abusive prosecution. The defence argued that he was being prosecuted in two separate cases on the basis of the same testimony.
The court scheduled further proceedings on that application for June 4.
Detention challenge
The 27-year-old separately objected to his detention. The court set Wednesday to examine the matter.
Charges
The charges against both men include conspiracy to commit a felony, participation in a criminal organisation, kidnapping, grievous bodily harm, assault, threats and degrading treatment. They also face charges related to the unlawful possession and transfer of a firearm.
Wider investigation
The case is part of a wider police investigation into alleged organised criminal activity connected to violent incidents in Larnaca.
