An issue of abuse of power regarding one of the charges in the citizenship by naturalisation programme (“golden passports” scheme) trial was raised by the defence lawyer of Demetris Syllouris, Mr Chris Triantafyllides, during today’s proceedings before the Assize Court, noting that the charge in question should therefore be dismissed.
Expressing concern as to whether it was appropriate to examine the matter at this stage of the proceedings, the Court invited Mr Triantafyllides to present his arguments regarding his request on 16 October 2025 at 9:00 a.m., emphasising that the process should not be unduly prolonged.
According to Mr Triantafyllides, the issue arises from the fact that the first charge was signed by the Assistant Attorney General, who had participated in the Council of Ministers when it made a decision on a citizenship by naturalisation relevant to the case. He added that if abuse of power were proven and the charge dismissed, the final submissions would consequently be shorter.
The Court expressed concern that Mr Triantafyllides raised this issue at this point, noting that the evidentiary stage of the trial had already been completed and only the final submissions from the Prosecution and the Defence remained. It further stated that, since the case had been examined as a whole, it might not be appropriate to divide the process at this stage by excluding one charge from the final submissions.
Meanwhile, the lawyer representing the Republic, Ms Haris Karaolidou, noted that the relevant information had been known to the defence at an earlier stage of the proceedings and that Mr Triantafyllides could have raised the issue sooner.
Additionally, Ms Karaolidou stated today that, after reviewing the Court’s decision regarding the cross-examination of lawyer Andreas Pittadjis, she does not intend to take any further action, something she had reserved the right to do last Friday following the announcement of the decision.
After the next hearing date was set for 16 October, the lawyer for Christakis Giovanis, Mr Giorgos Papayiannou, informed the Court that his client, having expected the proceedings to conclude today with the final submissions, had scheduled a medical procedure. Consequently, he requested that his client not be required to attend the next hearing, assuring the Court, however, that Mr Giovanis would be available for telephone communication with his lawyer if necessary.
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Source: CNA
