The Nicosia Criminal Court on Monday approved the prosecution’s request for a one-month extension to decide how to handle documents requested by the defence of eight suspects. The documents originate from the Central Prisons and were found at the home of a senior prison officer.
The court scheduled the next hearing for 10 March at 9:00 a.m.
Defence challenges prosecutor’s request
Earlier, the defence of the eight suspects asked the court to reject the one-month extension and to order the prosecution to hand over all documents immediately.
The defence of suspect 2 requested the court to suspend the proceedings until the prosecution decides on the documents. Meanwhile, the lawyers for suspects 6, 7, and 8 asked the court to suspend the charges from the Attorney General and issue a new indictment once the documents undergo review.
The court adjourned around 12:00 p.m. and resumed at 2:00 p.m., delivering a unanimous decision. The judges ruled that the suspension requests lacked legal basis. Regarding the defence’s demand for immediate access to all evidence, the court noted it could issue an order if the prosecution refuses to deliver the documents. Since the prosecution has not refused, the court approved the one-month extension, stating its purpose is to give the defendants a complete picture of the evidence.
Prosecutor explains volume and classification of documents
The prosecution had already received 10 days during the previous hearing to respond to the defence’s requests concerning 48,432 documents related to the case. On Monday, the prosecution requested an additional month to review the documents.
Prosecutor Anna Matthaiou told the court that she sent a letter to the defence, stating the intention to hand over non-classified documents. She explained that the documents include lawyer-client communications and prison maps. She assured the court that the defence could inspect this material at any stage.
Of the 48,432 documents, 2,500 are classified. The prosecution will provide copies marking the classification and subject matter. Where security risks do not exist, the defence will gain full access.
The prosecution instructed the police to review the entire document set again to determine which classified files require restricted access. Matthaiou requested a one-month period due to the volume of files, the need to prepare copies, and the evaluation of classified documents.
Defence raises legal concerns
The defence objected to the extension. Sotiris Christodoulou, representing former Central Prisons director Anna Aristotelous (suspect 1), argued the case started in the district court on 17 November and the prosecution had sufficient time to act. He requested the court to order full disclosure of all material.
Athina Demetriou’s lawyer (suspect 2) cited EU regulations, domestic law, and Article 94 of the Criminal Procedure Law, arguing that defendants must receive the indictment and evidence without delay. She highlighted potential violations of the principle of equality of arms and Article 6 of the European Convention on Human Rights.
Chloe Konstantinou, representing suspect 3, warned that allowing the prosecution to manage classified files could shift the burden of proof to the defence. She stressed that many documents are personal, including court records, bank letters, and certificates, and that restricting access would violate the right to a fair trial.
Lawyers for suspects 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 echoed similar concerns, noting delays in communication and the processing of sensitive files. They urged the court to reject the prosecution’s extension and ensure full access.
Prosecution responds
Matthaiou defended the one-month extension, citing the sheer volume of documents and the need to review and provide access without endangering classified information. She emphasized that the prosecution holds no classified documents and does not intend to withhold any material from the defence.
She noted that the documents include sensitive items such as lawyer-client communications, medical records, and other private data. She reassured the court that defendants will have the opportunity to inspect documents, take notes, and use them during the trial.
Matthaiou highlighted that disclosure rights are not absolute. Authorities must balance public interest and personal data protection. Classified documents will be delivered with redacted content, including descriptions of classification and subject matter. Currently, no document access has been prohibited, and the prosecution may grant access to all files.
Also read: Prisons case: Defence seeks access to 48,000 documents
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