Larnaca court refuses renewed release request in alleged terrorist plot case

Larnaca, Cyprus. A renewed bid for release by a 54-year-old accused in an alleged terrorist plot was rejected on Friday by the Larnaca criminal court. The court found there was no fresh evidence warranting a change to its previous ruling.

Release ruling and trial dates

When the case was initially committed for trial, the defendant was allowed release subject to bail of €1 million. The court of appeal later reversed that ruling.

Separate proceedings for a 33-year-old defendant are set to start on October 26 before the Larnaca criminal court. He reportedly admitted the charges he faces and is expected to give evidence for the prosecution.

Pleas from the other four defendants, who are 54, 41, 38 and 32, are due on November 4.

Charges and alleged targets

The five defendants face 15 charges in total. These include money laundering, terrorism offences, participation in a criminal syndicate, and conspiracy to commit both murder and a felony.

Prosecutors allege in the indictment that the defendants belonged to a terrorist cell linked to Hamas and were involved in preparations to target Israeli interests in Cyprus.

Arrests and investigators’ allegations

The investigation became public in May following police raids near Pentakomo that led to the arrests of two Palestinian men, aged 38 and 32.

Investigators allege that a Hamas member recruited the 32-year-old, who subsequently photographed possible targets around Cyprus and acquired chemicals and equipment suitable for making explosives.

The 38-year-old, described as a physics professor, allegedly entered Cyprus unlawfully. He was reportedly expected to construct explosive devices after being given instructions in Turkey.