Rapid developments have unfolded in the case of Yiannakis Yiannaki. The court issued an arrest warrant against him after he failed to appear at the scheduled hearing at 10:30.
Specifically, Yiannaki claimed illness during a phone call made to him when he did not appear. In that call, he stated he would appear on Friday with a lawyer. It is noted that he was originally due to appear today with legal representation, which he failed to do.
The court summoned the doctor who issued Yiannaki’s medical certificate. She testified that he experienced multiple episodes of vomiting and nausea the night before. Following examination, he was diagnosed with gastritis, prescribed medication, and issued a medical certificate.
The judge asked the doctor why she issued the certificate, to which the doctor responded that Yiannaki had requested sick leave from work—not exemption from appearing in court.
The doctor then said that after receiving treatment, Yiannaki showed improvement and that she had no communication with him today.
The judge stated she was not satisfied that Yiannaki was unfit to appear as required and took into account that the doctor, when issuing the certificate, was unaware of his obligation to attend court. As a result, the judge issued an arrest warrant.
The following dates were set for the continuation of the trial: 2 April, 8 April, and 14 April.
The proceedings were observed by journalist Charalambos Panayiotou.
