The Limassol District Court has ruled that the four individuals accused in the Thanasis Kalogeropoulos murder case will remain in pre-trial detention, citing strong evidence, including DNA, and the risk of flight. The charges against the defendants include premeditated murder, conspiracy to commit murder, arson, and possession and transportation of a weapon, and the trial is set to commence in two months’ time.
What was the Limassol District Court’s ruling regarding the suspects accused in the Thanasis Kalogeropoulos murder case?
The Limassol District Court ruled that the four individuals accused in the Thanasis Kalogeropoulos murder case will remain in pre-trial detention. Despite defence objections, the court decided against bail, citing the strength of the evidence, including DNA implicating at least one suspect, and the risk of flight.
The Court’s Decision on Custody
In a recent hearing, the Limassol District Court ruled that the four individuals accused in the murder of Thanasis Kalogeropoulos will remain in custody. This decision emerges as part of the pre-trial proceedings, anticipating the trial set to commence in two months’ time.
The Second Court Appearance
This week marked the second court appearance for the suspects. Earlier objections by the defence against detention were tabled on Monday. Nonetheless, the 41-year-old suspect did not encounter any objections this time around, as scientific evidence, notably DNA, has implicated him in the crime.
Defence Objections and Concerns
The trio, excluding the 41-year-old, through their defence lawyers, reiterated objections concerning their detention. Their argument hinged on the incomplete evidence portfolio furnished to them, which included, among others, a CD with telecommunication data. The court, weighing the risks, particularly the possibility of fleeing, ruled in favor of continued detention.
Direct Trial and Charges
All four individuals are slated for a direct trial at the Criminal Court. The charges leveled against them are considerable, encompassing premeditated murder, conspiracy to commit murder, arson, and possession and transportation of a weapon.
Details of the Murder
Kalogeropoulos, a figure previously known to the police, was fatally shot at close range while en route to his morning swim. The assailants carried out the hit-and-run attack from a vehicle, subsequently set ablaze to destroy evidence, and made their escape using a motorcycle.
Evidence Against the Defendants
The prosecution has presented compelling evidence against the suspects. For instance, genetic material from the first defendant was found on a balaclava at the murder scene. He had also flaunted a Kalashnikov and a pistol via video call from the residence of another suspect prior to the murder. The second suspect is alleged to have provided his property for planning the murder while maintaining a pretense of living elsewhere at significant expense. The third is implicated via CCTV footage, which supports his role in the escape of the fourth suspect and suggests frequent visits to the planning hub. The residence of the third suspect also housed potential evidence, including shell casings and clothing. Finally, the fourth suspect’s preparatory actions on the day of the murder are substantiated by surveillance and telecommunication records linking him to the first defendant.
The Way Forward
As the trial date approaches, the prosecution and defence are likely to delve deeper into the intricacies of the case. With charges this severe, the legal battle ahead promises to be intense, with each side striving to present their most persuasive arguments in court.
Quick Recap
- The Limassol District Court ruled that the four individuals accused in the Thanasis Kalogeropoulos murder case will remain in pre-trial detention.
- The court cited strong evidence, including DNA, and the risk of flight as reasons for denying bail.
- The charges against the defendants include premeditated murder, conspiracy to commit murder, arson, and possession and transportation of a weapon.
- The trial is set to commence in two months’ time.
- The prosecution has presented compelling evidence, including genetic material, video calls, CCTV footage, and surveillance and telecommunication records, against the defendants.
