terror suspect — terror suspect — A 57-year-old man charged in a terrorism case has been released on €1 million bail, following a Larnaca court’s decision to reject a request for his continued detention. The ruling was made on Friday, as the court highlighted significant weaknesses in the testimony linking him to the alleged activities.
- In a related development, the 57-year-old’s brother was also arrested during the investigation but was released after police found no evidence connecting him to the case.
In its statement, the court noted, “The entire testimony concerning the 57-year-old that allegedly links him to the present case presents weaknesses. Therefore, the request for his detention is rejected and specific conditions are imposed.”
The man, charged with terrorism and participation in a criminal organisation, is one of three suspects involved in the case. He has consistently denied any involvement. Alongside him, two younger suspects, aged 32 and 38, are also facing serious allegations related to planning terrorist acts.
According to reports from the Cyprus News Agency (CNA), the investigation centres on the suspected plot against Israeli targets within Cyprus. The 38-year-old suspect, who reportedly crossed into the Republic through the northern part of the island, is considered the main operative. Authorities allege he was responsible for orchestrating the plans, manufacturing explosives, and identifying potential targets.
The court’s decision to grant bail came with strict conditions. The defendant is required to sign a €1 million bond with creditworthy guarantors, surrender all travel documents, and report to a police station four times a week. This decision reflects the court’s intention to balance the seriousness of the charges with the lack of sufficient evidence to justify continued detention.
Family ties complicate the situation further, as the defendant has lived in Cyprus for 40 years and has four children who work in the country’s security services. One child serves in the Cyprus police and is reported to have access to law enforcement databases, while the other three are contract soldiers in the National Guard.
Defence Minister Vasilis Palmas addressed the public’s concerns on Wednesday, urging a distinction between the ongoing investigation involving the father and the professions of his children. He reassured the public that any necessary inquiries would be conducted by the appropriate authorities.
In a related development, the 57-year-old’s brother was also arrested during the investigation but was released after police found no evidence connecting him to the case.
As authorities continue to investigate, the focus remains on the two remaining suspects. The 32-year-old suspect, a Palestinian national residing in Cyprus with his wife and child, has been linked to two properties which are significant to the investigation. One property is located near Governor’s Beach in Limassol, while the other is in the Kamares area of Larnaca.
Investigators reportedly discovered quantities of chemical substances and raw materials at these locations, including ammonium nitrate, which is commonly used in the manufacturing of explosives. This discovery has heightened concerns about the suspects’ intentions and their potential plans.
