Larnaca, Cyprus. Two men accused in the Pyla torture case pleaded not guilty before the Larnaca permanent criminal court on Thursday. The proceedings were adjourned until October 8 while police continue investigating other suspected participants.
Charges and allegations
The 48-year-old and 27-year-old denied all charges arising from allegations that several victims were abducted and tortured at a casino in Pyla during the summer of 2025.
The case is part of a wider organised crime investigation centred on Larnaca. Prosecutors allege that victims were unlawfully detained, tortured and assaulted.
Police investigations are continuing to identify additional individuals believed to have been involved in incidents recorded on video.
Earlier court ruling
The latest hearing followed an earlier decision rejecting an application by the 48-year-old to dismiss the case on abuse of process grounds.
His defence argued that prosecutors had improperly registered two separate criminal cases against him: one concerning the January 17 shootings and violent brawl outside Larnaca police headquarters, and another involving the alleged torture in Pyla. The defence maintained that the matters should have been brought under a single indictment.
The criminal court dismissed the application as premature, ruling that the evidence available at this stage did not unequivocally support allegations of abuse of process.
Separate cases
The 48-year-old faces charges including torture, unlawful deprivation of liberty with intent to cause serious bodily harm and blackmail.
The 27-year-old faces charges including unlawful deprivation of liberty, torture and assault.
Prosecutors allege that the torture-related offences took place during the summer of 2025, while the separate shooting and brawl case concerns incidents outside Larnaca police headquarters on January 17.