The father of the two boys found dead in a vehicle in Xylofagou on June 28 remains in custody. The father’s lawyer had filed a motion for his conditional release and a request to allow him to travel to Bulgaria for his children’s funeral. However, the request was denied by the base court.
“The court’s reasoning for rejecting the request was that, based on the evidence presented to it by the prosecution, it was not satisfied that there is a practical and enforceable mechanism through which bail conditions imposed by a Sovereign Base Area court can be enforced within the Republic of Cyprus.” Christos Th. Theodoulou, Father’s Defense Attorney
ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ
Following the “no” ruling by the Bases Court, the father’s attorney emphasized that this is a constitutional issue that transcends the boundaries of this specific case and concerns the terms of the guarantee agreement between the Republic of Cyprus and the British Bases. For this reason, the father’s defense team asked the Attorney General to clarify the framework of cooperation between the two legal systems.
“The explanation provided by the prosecution’s witness was that in the Republic there is no specific legislation governing the execution of such warrants, whereas at the Sovereign Bases, as mentioned by the Prosecution, specific legislation has been enacted for the transfer and removal of persons to the Republic.” Christos Th. Theodoulou, Defense Attorney for the Father
The father’s attorney is examining all available legal remedies and further courses of action. Among these are the possibility of filing a new application for conditional release, as well as the possibility of appealing today’s decision.
Unfulfilled warrants
The father’s attorney also refers to testimony given in court by a witness for the prosecution, from which, as he points out, it appears that no corresponding request for cooperation or assistance had been made to the authorities of the Republic of Cyprus.
“According to the testimony, reference was made to numerous historically unexecuted arrest warrants that had been issued by the Sovereign Bases Court and which, according to the evidence presented before the Court, could not be executed in the Republic.” Christos Th. Theodoulou, Defense Attorney for the Father
The next court date for the father has been set for September 22, 2026, when the charges will be read to him again and he will be asked to state whether he pleads guilty or not guilty. If he does not admit to the charges, the case is expected to proceed to a full trial, which is already scheduled for November 30, unless a motion is filed to expedite the proceedings.
The father faces a charge of causing death through reckless and irresponsible conduct, an offense punishable by up to four years in prison.
See the report by Eleni Michael
