The court of the British Bases in Dhekelia ordered the three-day detention of the 30-year-old father and the 38-year-old stepmother of the two children who were found dead on Sunday inside a vehicle in the village of Xylofagou, as part of an investigation into a case of negligent conduct. Meanwhile, the British Bases Police, in cooperation with the Bulgarian police, has made contact with the mother of the two children.

Investigators are continuing their inquiries at an intensive pace, examining footage from closed-circuit surveillance cameras, the suspects’ cell phones, and the vehicle itself. The court ruled that there is no risk of witness tampering; however, it decided to remand the two suspects in custody due to the possibility of their fleeing, as they have no ties to Cyprus. Meanwhile, the results of the autopsies on the bodies of the two children are pending, while the investigation is in full swing.

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The Police of the British Bases in Dhekelia requested that four-day detention orders be issued for the two suspects. The defense attorney for the 38-year-old woman did not object. The defense attorney for the 30-year-old man filed an objection.

The head of criminal investigations for the British Bases Police in Dhekelia stated that the police investigation is ongoing and that the material obtained from the closed-circuit surveillance camera related to the case will be examined. The video footage is extensive and of poor quality, so it will be sent for further analysis. The footage shows the two children playing inside the vehicle.

A technical examination of the vehicle will be conducted to determine whether there is a malfunction in the mechanism that locks the car doors. The police will also consult with the vehicle’s manufacturer.

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According to reports, approximately 25 more statements will need to be taken from people living in homes surrounding the scene where the two children were found dead. Since most of them are foreign nationals, the police stated that an interpreter will be needed.

The cell phones of the two suspects will also be examined. Specifically, they will examine calls, text messages, location data, audiovisual material, internet searches, and their social media activity.

It was also reported that a doctor will arrive in Cyprus this afternoon to examine the bodies of the two young children.

The suspect’s defense attorney, Andriana Klaidi, in the context of the motion she filed to prevent her client from remaining in custody, stated that the car is in police custody, and therefore the suspect cannot tamper with anything. The same applies to the audiovisual footage from the closed-circuit surveillance system, since it is in the possession of the police. As for the statements of the two suspects, no one can interfere with them either, since they are in the possession of the police, while the bodies of the two children are at the morgue, to which the suspect also has no access. Consequently, according to the defense, there is no cause for concern regarding the tampering of evidence.

The investigating judge in the case stated that 25 more statements will be taken from the friends and family of the two suspects and that they may attempt to influence the testimony.

In his ruling, the judge noted, among other things, that “I am aware that this is a very sensitive matter,” adding that “no charges have been filed against anyone.”

He noted that “pursuant to Article 30 of the British Bases legislation, it is accepted that an investigation is being conducted into the deaths of the two children in connection with the offense of negligent conduct. It is accepted that the two suspects were arrested in connection with the investigation of the case. They are not accused but are subject to investigation at this stage,” he said.

The judge noted that “I am not convinced, based on the evidence, that it is likely or possible for the suspects to interfere, given that the evidence is in the possession of the police. I understand the police’s cautious approach and acknowledge that any individual might be influenced. Based on the evidence in my possession, there is no such risk.”

He noted that “the police have taken the necessary and required measures to handle the case.”

Regarding whether there is a risk that the two suspects might flee the British Bases, he stated that “there are reasonable grounds for them to do so, since there is no way for them to return if they flee, as they have no ties to Cyprus or the British Bases.”

The judge noted that “he took seriously into account the fact that this is a very serious case and wants to take precautionary measures to prevent the two suspects from fleeing.”

He added that “many questions regarding the case need to be answered,” which is why he proceeded to issue detention orders for the two suspects for a period of three days.

At the end of his ruling, addressing reporters, the judge stated that “we must not resort to kangaroo courts or trials in the media.” He noted that “the two are suspects; they have not been charged, and no trial has taken place.” He added that “the public interest is not served by speculation and theories that lack a factual basis.”

Source: CNA