**Prosecution Drops Charges Against Three Defendants in Demosthenous Murder Case**
The prosecution has decided to discontinue proceedings against three of the six defendants involved in the murder trial of 49-year-old Limassol businessman Stavros Demosthenous. This announcement was made on Tuesday before the Limassol criminal court, where the trial is currently taking place.
The three defendants, identified as the first, second, and third, will no longer face charges in connection with Demosthenous's murder. However, the first defendant has been hit with an additional charge of vehicle theft, to which he pleaded guilty. The remaining defendants continue to face a range of serious charges, including premeditated murder, conspiracy to commit murder, vehicle theft, arson, illegal possession, transportation and use of firearms and explosives, as well as participation in a criminal organization.
Stavros Demosthenous, a prominent businessman and former chairman of Karmiotissa FC, was shot and killed on October 17, 2025, while riding in a car driven by his 18-year-old son. The incident occurred near their home in the Ayios Athanasios area of Limassol. According to investigators, the attack involved multiple vehicles, and a van used in the shooting was later set ablaze. A motorcycle was reportedly utilized by the assailants to escape the scene.
The trial had been scheduled to resume on Tuesday, September 8, with additional hearing dates planned throughout the month of September. The decision to drop charges against three defendants marks a significant development in the ongoing legal proceedings surrounding this high-profile case. Further updates are expected as the trial continues.