The two main suspects in the killing of a 20-year-old man from Syria last April in Paphos pleaded not guilty on Monday to the charge of premeditated murder.

The suspects, 22 and 25, also from Syria, are believed to be the ones who stabbed the 20-yesr-old after an altercation, before fleeing to the north.

They were handed over by the north last December. They have been read their charges, among them premeditated murder, but they pleaded not guilty.

Defence suggested that one of the two suspects is charged with manslaughter instead. The state legal service is to decide whether to uphold the suggestion. The trial at the Paphos criminal court was adjourned until March 23. They will be held in custody until then.

The victim had been stabbed multiple times with a knife during an altercation in the Vrexi area on the coastal road between Chlorakas and Kato Paphos. The killing was related to matters of honour.

Nine other suspects between 19 and 31, all from Syria, were arrested in connection with the case, right after the body was found, but some of them said their aim was only to intimidate the 20-year-old and that they had tried to prevent his fatal injury. They were charged with manslaughter and kidnapping for the purpose of bodily harm to which they pled not guilty.