The case involving the death of young Alexandros Antonios was postponed on Tuesday to allow for the completion of the preparation of the undisputed facts, with a 58-year-old defendant who is being held at the Central Prison. The Paphos Permanent Criminal Court set January 27, 2027, as the date for the start of the trial and hearing, while the defendant does not admit to the charge of premeditated murder but has admitted to the charge of carrying a knife.
The 58-year-old was transported shortly after 10:00 this morning from the Central Prison, where he is being held, to the Permanent Criminal Court sitting in Paphos, under strict security measures. The courtroom was packed with relatives, friends, and members of the public following the case.
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During the proceedings, the representative of the prosecution, Senior Attorney of the Republic Andreas Hatzikyru, requested an adjournment, explaining that the goal is to agree upon and record as undisputed facts all the issues on which there is no disagreement, with the exception of the Prosecution’s position regarding the charge of premeditated murder.
The 58-year-old’s defense attorney agreed with the request, noting that additional time is needed to prepare the admitted facts in order to shorten the trial period.
As stated before the Court, a total of 98 witnesses were expected to testify so far. However, with the submission of the admitted facts, the number of witnesses is expected to decrease. Neither side, however, was able to specify the final number.
The presiding judge of the Paphos Criminal Court granted the motion for a postponement to allow for the preparation of the admitted facts. Taking into account, as she noted, the Court’s schedule, she set the case for the commencement of proceedings and a hearing on January 27, 2027.
During the proceedings, the representative of the Prosecution requested that the defendant remain in custody. Mr. Hatzikyru cited the seriousness of the offenses he faces, emphasizing that human life is the highest good.
At the same time, reference was made to the risk that the defendant might fail to appear before the Court.
The defense attorney raised no objection to the prosecution’s request, noting that the facts of the case remain unchanged.
It should be noted that at the previous hearing, the 58-year-old pleaded not guilty to the charge of premeditated murder in connection with the death of young Alexandros Antoniou, while he admitted to the charge of carrying a knife.
Specifically, he admitted to carrying an orange-colored pocket knife outside his home and yard, which, according to the prosecution’s case, was used to inflict the fatal wound on the young man.
Attorney Elias Stefanou, the defendant’s defense counsel, had stated before the Court that his client does not accept the allegation of premeditation. As he argued, the facts of the case are not disputed by the defense, which, however, maintains that the case involves manslaughter and not premeditated murder.
Meanwhile, the prosecution has already submitted to the court all the evidence in its possession.
The evidence includes video footage documenting the course of the incident, as well as expert reports, which are expected to be presented during the hearing.
The representative of the prosecution submitted the videos in question and the relevant reports to the court.
The case concerns the fatal injury of Alexandros Antoniou, which occurred on the afternoon of November 19, 2025, in the community of Konia, in the district of Paphos.
According to the case file, genetic material found on the back of the driver’s seat, where the victim was sitting, was identified by the Institute of Genetics and attributed to the 58-year-old defendant.
At the same time, the forensic examination revealed that the young man’s death was caused by a blow with a sharp, cutting instrument to the carotid artery area.
Source: CNA
