The lawyer representing the father of the two children found dead in his vehicle in Xylofagou has sought the Attorney-General’s assistance in clarifying the legal framework governing cooperation between the Sovereign Base Areas and the Republic of Cyprus.
The move follows the SBA Court’s rejection of his client’s applications for release on bail and permission to attend his two young sons’ funeral in Bulgaria.
Court raises enforcement concerns
In a written statement, lawyer Christos Theodoulou said the defence fully respects the court and the reasoning behind its decision.
According to Theodoulou, one reason the bail application was rejected was that the court was not satisfied that a practical and enforceable mechanism exists for implementing SBA Court bail conditions within the Republic.
The defence described the matter as being of serious institutional importance, arguing that it extends beyond the circumstances of this particular case and raises broader questions of public interest.
Letter sent to Attorney-General
Theodoulou said he wrote to the Attorney-General’s Office on Monday, seeking an official position on the institutional and legislative framework governing cooperation between the two jurisdictions.
The defence referred to testimony presented by a prosecution witness, which it said indicated that no previous request for cooperation or assistance had been made to the authorities of the Republic.
According to the defence, the same witness also referred to numerous outstanding arrest warrants issued by the SBA Court that cannot be enforced in the Republic. The explanation reportedly given was that Cyprus does not have specific legislation allowing such warrants to be executed.
By contrast, the defence said specific legislation is in place within the Sovereign Base Areas for the transfer and removal of individuals to the Republic.
Defence considers further legal action
The defence is reviewing the reasoning behind the court’s decision and considering all available legal options.
These include filing a new bail application or appealing against the decision.
The father remains in custody and is expected to enter a plea when the case returns before the SBA Court on 22 September 2026.
Source: CNA.
