The Union of Cyprus Journalists (UCJ) has voiced strong concerns over the conduct of British Sovereign Base Areas judge Carl Gunsley during a remand hearing at Dhekelia court on July 2, 2026. The judge’s behavior towards journalists covering the sensitive case was described as offensive and arrogant, with UCJ highlighting his warnings about potential criminal charges as unwarranted threats against the press.

The hearing involved the 30-year-old father of two boys who tragically died in a locked car within the Dhekelia Sovereign Base Area. Judge Gunsley denied bail, citing the seriousness of charges and flight risk, and ordered the defendant’s detention until the trial set to begin on July 16. The UCJ criticized the judge’s approach as outdated and contrary to the principles of free expression and press freedom.

The case is under British Bases jurisdiction due to the location of the incident within sovereign British territory. The UCJ called for respect and cooperation between judicial authorities and the media, emphasizing that any obstruction of journalistic work is unacceptable.