Case postponed for 13 on trial for racist rioting

Thirteen suspects involved in September’s racist rioting in Limassol on Wednesday had their case postponed until December, the Limassol criminal court decided.

According to the court, the defendants were not ready to file a plea about the charges brought against them.

The suspects face charges related to disorderly conduct, causing damage, demolition of buildings by disorderly persons, carrying a knife, assaulting police officers, assault causing bodily harm, common assault, arson and incitement to violence and hatred.

Outside the court, people stood to peacefully protest, carrying signs that said “They are not innocent. Fascists go to jail.” In response the defendants threw condoms at the protestors.

Twelve of the suspects are not in custody, while the last suspect, who was already serving a jail sentence for another crime, was recently released.

Before the end of the proceedings on Wednesday, one of the lawyers made a reference to the presence of people from left-wing organisations, who were present outside the court, holding a banner.

The lawyer noted that the police were aware of the issue and stressed that there was no reaction from them regarding the presence of the protesters.

He added that the presumption of innocence is being violated.

The judge said the complaint of the defence was noted, but that the court could not do anything about the protestors.

However, following the proceedings upon exiting the building, the suspects threw dozens of condoms at the protesters.