Azeri national and five others referred for trial

An Azeri national and five other men suspected of planning attacks against Israeli businessmen living in Cyprus were on Friday referred to trial before a criminal court.

The six suspects are expected to be formally charged on December 6, during the first hearing of the court in Nicosia. The hearings are expected to held behind closed doors for security reasons.

The charges include conspiracy to murder, conspiracy to commit felony, participation in a criminal organisation, and terrorism.

They will remain in custody until their trial.

The 39-year-old Azeri national was arrested in late September after he crossed from the north through the Ledra Street checkpoint.

He was found in possession of a pistol equipped with a suppressor. Investigators were gradually led to the other suspects and two more firearms.

One had been hidden in the north and one in Paphos.