The Dhekelia British Bases Court has rejected a request by the 30-year-old father accused in the Xylofagou tragedy to attend the funeral of his two sons in Bulgaria.
The boys, aged 10 and 8, died in June after becoming trapped inside a vehicle in Xylofagou and suffocating. Their father is accused of leaving them unattended while he went to work.
The court also rejected the defendant's request to be released on bail pending trial.
The decision was communicated to the parties on Monday morning. According to information obtained by Politis, the court ruled that it could not grant the father's request to travel to Bulgaria under police escort to attend the funeral and subsequently return to Cyprus.
In a statement, the British Bases Administration said:
"We can confirm that the Senior Judge informed all parties that bail was not granted to the father of the two boys found dead in a car in Xylofagou on 28 June and therefore he will remain in police custody. All previous court dates remain unchanged. There is no further information at this time."
The defendant's applications were heard on 30 and 31 July, with the court reserving its decision.
During the first hearing, the senior British judge dealt with technical aspects of the case before proceeding to substantive matters.
The next court appearance is scheduled for 22 September, when the charges against the father are expected to be formally read and he will be asked whether he admits or denies them.
Should he plead not guilty, trial proceedings are scheduled to begin on 30 November.
The dates could be brought forward if requested by both parties.
The 30-year-old faces two charges, one relating to each child, of causing death through a reckless and negligent act.
According to the case details, the father is accused of causing the deaths of his two minor children on 28 June 2026 within the jurisdiction of the British Bases.
The offences carry a maximum penalty of four years' imprisonment, a £2,500 fine for each charge, or both penalties.
