The five defendants in the terrorism case appeared again before the Larnaca Criminal Court. The proceedings were held behind closed doors, and 4 November was set for all the defendants to respond to the charges.
The defendants, aged 33, 38, 54, 32 and 41, face a total of ten charges. The case has drawn the attention of Cyprus, Greece and international security services.
According to the indictment, the charges concern:
- Conspiracy to provide support to the Hamas terrorist group for the manufacture of explosive materials, contrary to Article 371 of the Criminal Code on Combating Terrorism and Protecting Victims, as amended. The alleged offence took place between 205 and May 2026, inside and outside the Republic.
- Conspiracy to commit a felony, contrary to Article 371 of the same Code, with the aim of carrying out an act of terrorism that could seriously harm the Republic of Cyprus and seriously intimidate the public—namely, the manufacture and use of explosive materials.
- Conspiracy to murder, contrary to Article 217 of the Criminal Code. The defendants are alleged to have conspired to use explosive materials that could result in the deaths of people.
- Participation in a criminal organisation, contrary to Article 63B(1)(a)(2) of the Criminal Code on Combating Terrorism and Protecting Victims, as amended. In May 2026, inside and outside the Republic, they allegedly participated in an organisation knowing that its purpose was to carry out acts of terrorism.
- Providing support to the Hamas terrorist group, contrary to Articles 2, 4, 8(1)(a) and 25 of Law 75(I)20219 on Combating Terrorism and Protecting Victims, as amended. They allegedly provided support for the manufacture of explosive materials, knowing that they would contribute to terrorist offences.
- Participation in a terrorist group, contrary to Articles 2, 4, 7 and 25 of Law 75(I)20219. They allegedly participated knowing the group’s unlawful aims and assisted in the manufacture of explosive materials intended for use.
- Participation in an act of terrorism, contrary to Articles 2, 4 and 5(a)(cc) of Law 75(I)2019, as well as Articles 20 and 21 of Cap. 154. The charge concerns an act that could seriously harm the Republic of Cyprus and seriously intimidate the public, namely the manufacture of explosive materials.
- Unlawful possession of explosive-precursor substances, contrary to Articles 2, 4 and 17(1)(a) of Law 48(I)2021 on the Marketing and Use of Explosive Precursors, as amended.
- Recruitment of terrorists, contrary to Articles 2, 4, 7, 14 and 25 of Law 75(I)2019, as amended. The fifth defendant, aged 41, is alleged to have incited other people to participate in activities of Hamas.
- Travel for the purpose of committing a terrorist offence, contrary to Articles 2, 4 and 15(1)(a) of Law 75(I)2019, as amended. The second, fourth and fifth defendants are alleged to have travelled from or to the Republic with the aim of contributing to terrorist offences.
A separate case was filed against the first defendant, aged 33, to examine the possibility of using him as a prosecution witness against the other four.
The 54-year-old defendant objected to remaining in custody. The Criminal Court will announce its decision on 16 October.
Source: CNA
