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Trial of Azeri man, five others charged with contract killings conspiracy starts December 16

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The trial of a 38-year-old Azeri man charged with conspiracy to carry out the contract killings of Israelis living in Cyprus will begin on December 16 before Assize Court in Nicosia.

Five other alleged cohorts he recruited in Cyprus — four Pakistani fast food delivery drivers and one Lebanese man — will also stand trial on the same charges.

This is what Philenews reported on Tuesday, adding that the six suspects face a total of eight charges including conspiracy to commit murder, belonging to a criminal enterprise and illegal possession of firearms and ammunition. The suspects also face a terrorism-related charge.

The Azeri was arrested late in September after a pistol was found in his possession and came in the ‘nick of time’ as police believe he was about to carry out the killings.

Police had acted on a tip-off about the suspect’s activities from a “foreign agency”. The alleged targets were said to be businessmen working in Cyprus.

At least two pistols seized by police have been linked to the Azeri man. One of the weapons was handed over to police by the Lebanese suspect.

The Azeri man had been living on both sides of the divided island and would often shuttle between the breakaway north and the free areas of the Republic.

The trials of all six suspects will be held behind closed doors.

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