Appeal Rejected for Father of 7: Remains in Custody

The Court of Appeal rejected the appeal of a Turkish Cypriot father of 7, upholding the decision to keep him in custody pending trial. The defendant faces serious charges, including aiding illegal entry into the Republic and assaulting a police officer.

The defense argued that the defendant has been living in the free areas since 2001, is married to a Greek Cypriot, and cares for a child with serious health problems, proposing strict release conditions, such as a €20,000 guarantee and surrender of travel documents.

However, the court considered the evidence implicating him in conspiracy to aid illegal entry, money laundering, and attacks against police officers. The Court of Appeal ruled that there is a risk of him fleeing to the occupied territories, upholding the detention order.

The trial is scheduled for April 8, 2026, at the Nicosia Criminal Court.