The Nicosia District Court has ordered the detention of eight people for six days on suspicion of financing a terrorist organisation in Syria.
The ruling came after a four-hour closed-door hearing, with the police citing sensitive information in their investigation.
The suspects, who have subsidiary protection status in Cyprus, were arrested in the early hours of the morning following intelligence from security authorities. They are alleged to have been involved in electronically transferring funds from Cyprus to Syria.
The court heard that the suspects are alleged to have collected money from other fellow countrymen and through other methods that are being investigated.
Five of the accused resided in Limassol, whilst the remaining three lived in Paphos. Investigators are now examining the frequency and amounts of money transfers, with further bank account revelations and interrogations of other individuals expected.
The suspects’ lawyers objected to their detention, leading to an extensive cross-examination of the case examiner. However, the court ultimately deemed the detention necessary for the police to continue their investigation.
Throughout the proceedings, members of the Special Anti-Terrorist Unit maintained strict security measures during the transfer and court appearance of the suspects.
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