Two suspects in court over torture videos found on mobile phone in Larnaca

A 48-year-old Cypriot national and a 27-year-old Palestinian appeared at Larnaca District Court where their detention was extended by five days following the discovery of torture videos. Police found 25 videos on the 48-year-old’s mobile phone showing seven individuals being brutally beaten at a casino office in Pyla. Investigators believe three victims were tortured to force debt repayments, while two others were assaulted to extract confessions regarding alleged crimes against the suspect. The 48-year-old is already facing trial for a shootout in central Larnaca on January 17 and a separate assault case. Authorities have identified four victims so far, including one who was forced to transfer his vehicle under threat. Police are currently hunting for a third suspect and searching for weapons shown in the footage, including two pistols and knives. The primary suspect has exercised his right to silence during questioning. In a related development, the National Betting Authority has refused to renew licenses for betting shops linked to an associate of the main suspect.