The Gianniou death sentencing reached its conclusion today, as the Military Court of Nicosia imposed a prison sentence of 18 months without suspension on Sergeant Major Marinos Ioannou of the Commando Squadron. Ioannou was found guilty of causing the death of 27-year-old commando Panayiotis Gianniou during a military exercise in June 2022.
The courtroom was once again packed, with the judge beginning the session by reviewing the facts of the case. He noted that while Ioannou had never previously appeared before the court and that his family depends on him financially, these factors did not outweigh the seriousness of the offence.
According to the ruling, Ioannou gave the order for the commandos to jump without receiving permission from the commanding officer- a clear breach of military protocol. The court rejected claims that he acted spontaneously or heroically, finding instead that his conduct was reckless and unjustified.
The Gianniou death sentencing has been closely followed due to the emotional weight of the case. The court acknowledged that such incidents are rare within the National Guard, but made clear that disciplinary accountability must be upheld.
Defence plea for leniency
At the previous hearing, defence lawyers made a lengthy plea for a reduced sentence, conveying Ioannou’s “sincere condolences” to the Gianniou family. The sergeant major, they said, regarded the late commando not just as a colleague, but “as family.”
The defence emphasised his previously clean record and distinguished military background. Ioannou had trained as a paratrooper, graduated from two NATO centres, and even paid for additional training in Russia and France. A letter submitted by current and former commanders described him as “hard-working, conscientious, and professionally exemplary,” adding that the incident was “entirely out of character.”
Ioannou’s personal circumstances were also outlined in court. He supports three daughters- including a 14-year-old- and lives in a small flat with his partner’s mother and aunt, both of whom are Ukrainian nationals who do not receive state aid. His partner recently lost her job, and he covers expenses for his two eldest daughters from a previous relationship.
The defence argued that imprisonment would devastate the family and that losing his military post would be punishment enough. They urged the court to impose a suspended sentence if incarceration could not be avoided.
Despite these arguments, the court found that a custodial sentence was necessary given the gravity of the offence. The judge noted that failing to obtain permission before ordering such a high-risk exercise was not a momentary lapse but a dangerous and avoidable act that resulted in a young soldier’s death.
Also read: Commando sergeant found guilty over soldier’s training death
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