Former Commissioner for Volunteering, Υiannakis Υiannaki, was expected to appear before the Nicosia District Court today with a new lawyer following the resignation of his previous defence attorney, Υiannis Polychronis.
However, Giannakis appeared without legal representation, assuring the court that he had taken the necessary steps but had not yet managed to secure a defence lawyer.
He then submitted a request for the judge to be excluded from the proceedings, citing bias. Υiannakis based his request on two reasons: first, the resignation of Υiannis Polychronis, which he attributed to the judge’s alleged bias; and second, statements made by officials referring to delays in the case, which Υiannakis argued were influencing the judicial process.
The Prosecution disagreed with Υiannakis’ claims, stating that his previous defence lawyer had lost his composure and withdrew without consulting his client. The Prosecution also argued that the officials’ statements were unrelated to the trial.
The court reserved its decision on Υiannakis’ request for the judge’s recusal and instructed him to secure legal representation by the next hearing.
The proceedings will resume on 8 January at 10:30 a.m.
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