Appeals Court denies bail for man accused of domestic violence in Nicosia

The Nicosia Appeals Court has upheld a District Court decision to keep a man, identified as L.L., in custody until his trial before the Criminal Court on May 15, 2026. The defendant faces twelve charges related to domestic violence against his wife, spanning from 2025 to March 2026. Specific allegations include common assault, threats, assault causing actual bodily harm, and unlawful confinement with intent to cause serious harm. The three-member Appeals Court panel ruled that there is a significant risk the defendant would commit further offenses if released, justifying continued detention without the need to consider flight risk. The defense had appealed the detention, arguing that the lower court violated the presumption of innocence by prematurely assessing evidence. The Appeals Court rejected these arguments as unfounded, clarifying that determining the risk of reoffending does not require absolute certainty. The charges involve five incidents in 2025, two on February 9, 2026, and five on March 1, 2026. The court remains firm that the risk of reoffending serves as sufficient grounds for pre-trial incarceration.