Terrorism case: Four arrested appear before Larnaca District Court
Four men are being referred for direct trial before a District Court in a terrorism case, with evidence linking two of them to Hamas and planning of attacks against Israeli interests in Cyprus.
Terrorism case: Four arrested appear before Larnaca District Court
Four individuals are being brought before Larnaca District Court today with a view to referring them for direct trial before the District Court in connection with an investigation into terrorist activity. They are men aged 32, 38, 54 and 57.
The prosecution authorities believe they have obtained a full picture of the case, particularly following receipt of information from Greek security services regarding a 37-year-old who was located and arrested in Crete. This information helped clarify the extent of each person's involvement.
The two younger members of the group, aged 32 and 38, are believed to be connected to Hamas. Together with the 37-year-old in the hands of Greek authorities, they are alleged to have been preparing attacks against targets linked to Israeli interests in the country. These two suspects are also alleged to have had access to materials for the preparation of powerful explosives, which were found in searches conducted at houses in the Akti tou Kyverniti area and in Kamares.
The exchange of information between the intelligence services of the two countries brought to light the relationship between the 38-year-old held in Cyprus and the 37-year-old arrested in Greece. It appears that both had attended a Hamas training programme in Malaysia, where they were trained in the creation and detonation of bombs.
Regarding the two older men, aged 54 and 57, investigators are working to establish the extent of their involvement. Both have lived on the island for many years, have acquired Cypriot citizenship and had not previously come to the attention of the prosecution authorities.
The hearing scheduled for today is expected to be held in camera, as sensitive information will be presented. The prosecution is expected to request the continuation of remand in custody for all four pending the start of the main trial.
Source: Politis