The court proceedings concerning the financial aspect of the scandal involving the Holy Monastery of Saint Avvakum have been rescheduled for December 19.
Today’s hearing before the Nicosia Criminal Court was postponed following a request from the defense for the accused monks, Nektarios and Porphyrios.
Defense lawyer Maria Kestoros informed the court that they had not yet received part of the evidence from the prosecution. The prosecution raised no objection to the request, stating that the evidence would be delivered within ten days for review by the defense lawyers.
Additionally, during today’s hearing, the defense requested a modification to the condition requiring the accused to report to a police station for signing. Previously, the accused were required to report to the Ayios Dhometios Police Station every Monday and Thursday from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
The court approved the modification, and from now on, the accused will report to the same police station every Monday and Thursday between 8:00 AM and 8:00 PM.
All other restrictive conditions remain unchanged.
The two accused monks face 24 charges, including conspiracy to defraud, committing a felony, unlawful possession of €196,000 in property, theft by an agent, forgery, circulation of forged documents, theft, money laundering, false tax declarations, and interference with judicial proceedings.
It should be noted that the presumption of innocence applies to all defendants until proven guilty by the court beyond a reasonable doubt.
Also read: Avvakoum: “Orphaned by the Church – Had a Pakistani done this…”
Source: CNA
