The Demosthenes Murder Case Continues in Limassol Criminal Court

The trial over the murder of Limassol businessman Stavros Demosthenes will continue on Thursday. Six defendants are expected to appear before the Limassol Criminal Court in Cyprus under heightened security measures.

The defendants, aged 28 (two), 30 (two), 31, and 51, face charges of premeditated murder, conspiracy to commit a crime, conspiracy to murder, vehicle arson, illegal possession, transport and use of firearms, illegal possession and use of explosives, and car theft.

One of the 30-year-olds is suspected of participating in the purchase and sale of a motorcycle used to flee the crime scene. The other 30-year-old, serving a sentence in an unrelated case, allegedly gave instructions from the central prison regarding the acquisition of the motorcycle. Genetic material belonging to the 52-year-old defendant was found inside the stolen vehicle, which investigators believe was used to track the victim prior to the murder.

The 31-year-old is accused of driving the van from which the fatal shots were fired; the investigation also implicates him in ordering fake license plates for the stolen vehicle. The two 28-year-olds, who are cousins, were arrested by Greek authorities in Thessaloniki on a European arrest warrant in November.

Demosthenes was shot while sitting in his car with his 18-year-old son in the Ayios Athanasios area of Limassol on October 17. According to police, the bullets were likely fired from the van traveling in front of their car; this vehicle was later set on fire, and the motorcycle allegedly used in the attack was found abandoned in the Limassol area. By the end of 2025, at least eight suspects had been arrested in connection with the case, some of whom were later released due to lack of evidence.