The Supreme Court fully dismissed the appeal of the Azerbaijani national arrested in June 2025 on suspicion of terrorism, espionage and conspiracy.
The court confirmed that arrest and search warrants issued on 21 June 2025 were entirely lawful and justified.
Background of the case
Police received highly credible classified intelligence from a cooperating foreign agency. The information stated that the man arrived in Cyprus in April 2025 to collect data on foreign military presence, particularly the British Bases and Andreas Papandreou Air Base in Paphos. It also raised concerns about a possible imminent terrorist attack.
The intelligence linked the suspect to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Physical surveillance later corroborated the tip-off.
Lower court ruling upheld
The first-instance court found “reasonable suspicion” existed, the legal threshold for issuing warrants. It stressed that the stage does not require proof beyond reasonable doubt.
The Supreme Court rejected claims that the judge placed excessive weight on unverified foreign intelligence. It clarified that European case law cited by the defence concerned wiretaps and trial evidence, not pre-trial warrants.
Judges noted the intelligence came from a “cooperating foreign service” (not a “third country” as the appellant claimed) and was strengthened by independent surveillance showing suspicious movements consistent with the allegations.
Search warrants also valid
The court ruled there were reasonable grounds to believe evidence linked to terrorism and espionage would be found at the suspect’s residence, premises and vehicle.
Proportionality and public safety
The Supreme Court agreed the seriousness of the offences – potential terrorist attack – outweighed privacy concerns. Risks of flight, evidence destruction and ongoing threat justified immediate arrest and searches.
The appeal was rejected in its entirety. The case, described as having “particularly serious implications for public safety”, continues.
Also read: 7 more Vauxhall vehicles in Cyprus with deadly Takata airbags
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