Two detained, teen released over attacks on delivery drivers
The Limassol district court on Friday issued a six-day detention order for two men, aged 20 and 25, who were arrested as suspects in connection with recent assaults on food delivery drivers on October 24.
A third suspect, a 14-year-old, was due to be released later today.
The three suspects were arrested after their identification from CCTV footage captured at two separate scenes involving attacks on food delivery drivers. Arrest warrants had been issued for their detention.
The suspects appeared in court on Thursday, but due to procedural objections and the late hour, a decision was postponed until Friday.
The two were brought before the court in morning, where their six-day detention was confirmed.
The hearing for the 14-year-old took place behind closed doors on Thursday. According to police, the court ordered his release, set for 9pm on Friday.
In a post on X platform, police reported that members of the Limassol community policing team on Thursday conducted an awareness campaign for food delivery drivers, aimed at ensuring their safety both on the job and while travelling in the Limassol district.
Police members engaged with approximately 80 delivery workers during the campaign, distributing informational leaflets to enhance their awareness and safety measures.
This year there have been 19 attacks on delivery drivers. Sixteen attacks have been reported in Limassol and three in Nicosia.
In a press release released on Thursday, food delivery company Wolt condemned the attacks against its workers, many of which it said had “racist” motives, and expressed satisfaction over the state’s actions and measures to address the issue once and for all.
Wolt said it had written to the justice ministry in June 2023, pointing out the need to take measures, and also expressed the company’s views during a recent meeting in Limassol under the district police head.
It added that it deplores all actions of violence and racism and stood by the drivers to provide support and assistance.