-
.
- Русский
Court of Justice: "Those who commit violence in stadiums should not expect the leniency of the Court."
On 12 June 2023, the Nicosia District Court imposed an immediate sentence of 5 months' imprisonment, after admitting all charges against him, on a young person aged 23, who, during the football match between Omonia and APOEL on 15 February 2023, threw a lighter towards the referee.
The accused was arrested the following day by the police and a criminal case was registered against him for the offences of throwing dangerous objects and assault "due to or connected with a match or event" in violation of the Prevention and Suppression of Violence in Sports Venues Act, as well as for the offence of common assault.
In addition to the immediate sentence of 5 months' imprisonment, the Court issued an Order excluding the convicted person from matches, or events, or sports venues for a period of six months from the day of his release from prison, both in relation to domestic matches and sports venues and in relation to football matches with an international dimension.
In its judgment, the Court states:
"[...] Taking all the facts of the present case seriously, I consider that this is a case where the need for a deterrent sentence cannot be diminished by the personal circumstances of the accused and his mitigating circumstances. Besides, where the public interest dictates the need for the Court to deal severely and deterrently with the offender, the personal circumstances of an accused are not sufficient to modulate that need and I recall in this regard that those who commit violence on the playing fields should not expect the leniency of the Court."
Ms Margarita Avraamidou, Public Prosecutor A, Office of the Attorney General of the Republic, appeared for the Prosecution.
Contents of this article including associated images are owned by PIO
Views & opinions expressed are those of the author and/or PIO
Source
