The trial into the murder of Stavros Demosthenous opened with an adjournment to April 29, when the accused are expected to respond to the charges. As is common in complex criminal cases, the process was delayed due to the incomplete delivery of evidentiary material to the defence. Lawyers for the accused also raised concerns over the legibility of certain handwritten witness statements, requesting that they be typed.
The prosecution did not object to the adjournment, noting that it is also awaiting the completion of several reports, expected within the next two to three weeks, which will then be submitted to the defence. All defendants will remain in custody at the Central Prisons, with the exception of a 51-year-old who had previously been released under conditions.
Objection to continued detention of 28-year-old
During proceedings, the lawyer representing the fifth defendant, a 28-year-old arrested in Thessaloniki, challenged his client’s continued detention and requested his conditional release. The defendant, a Greek national of Georgian origin and cousin of another accused, is alleged to have assisted in the escape of the perpetrators from the scene where a motorcycle was abandoned in Agios Tychonas. His vehicle was reportedly captured on CCTV footage in the area. He was arrested in Thessaloniki alongside his cousin.
His lawyer argued that, based on the evidence reviewed so far, there is insufficient testimony to secure a conviction and described the likelihood of conviction as negligible. Responding to the prosecution’s claim that the suspect did not surrender voluntarily but was arrested under a European arrest warrant, the defence stated that the 28-year-old had travelled to Thessaloniki from Paphos airport with his minor child for professional reasons and has no connection to the case.
The lawyer further dismissed as speculative any link between his client’s presence in Agios Tychonas and the murder. He referred to a statement in which the defendant claimed he had gone to the area to collect drugs, adding that there is no evidence anyone entered his vehicle. He also stressed the defendant’s strong ties to Cyprus, where he has lived since the age of three with his family and operates his own business. The defence indicated willingness to accept restrictive conditions, including a €20,000 cash deposit and a €150,000 guarantee backed by a credible guarantor. The court reserved its decision on the detention objection, with a ruling expected on Thursday, March 26.
Charges to be answered on April 29
On April 29, the accused will be called to respond to the following charges:
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Premeditated murder
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Conspiracy to commit a felony
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Conspiracy to commit murder
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Arson
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Illegal possession, transport and use of a firearm
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Illegal possession, transport and use of explosives
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Vehicle theft
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Participation in a criminal organisation