The hearing for the 13 defendants involved in the violent attacks against migrants that took place on the night of September 1st, during a protest against immigration in the Episkopi area of Limassol, did not proceed today.
During the previous hearing before the Limassol Criminal Court, nine out of the 13 defendants had requested legal representation.
During today’s procedure, the request for legal assistance was approved, with the Court instructing the preparation of the Welfare Office’s reports.
The Criminal Court has scheduled a new date for November 22 to examine the reports and address requests for legal representation. Furthermore, the Court indicated that at the next hearing, the defendants will be called upon to respond to the charges they face.
The extensive indictment includes 17 charges related to participation in rioting, damage to buildings caused by rioters, arson, assault on law enforcement officers, public incitement of violence or hatred, malicious damage to property, and carrying a knife.
Twelve out of the 13 defendants are currently free on restrictive terms, while one defendant remains in the Central Prisons, as he was serving his sentence under electronic monitoring when arrested.
Among the 13, there is a Syrian national who holds Cypriot citizenship. The said defendant was arrested near the area of the incidents, carrying a knife.
Citizens, mainly from leftist organizations, gathered again outside the District Court, where the court proceedings were being held. Staging an anti-fascist protest, they held banners reading “They are not innocent! Fascists in prison.”
Strong police forces were present both inside and outside the court premises to maintain order and prevent any further incidents.
