The case is being followed by Yiannis Georgallis.
The suspects in the abduction and murder of 31-year-old Angelos Perikleous were brought before the court.
In a previous hearing, evidence was presented, including burned clothing. A booklet containing 42 photographs was also submitted, showing the vehicle at the Palaiometocho firing range, the incendiary strip, and the vehicle’s registration plate. The photos also depicted a shovel, a mattock and its burned wooden handle, a partially burned wallet, the sole of a shoe, and a metal pipe-like object found inside the burned vehicle.
It is noted that the 73-year-old uncle of the hacker pleaded guilty to the charges against him, creating new developments in the high-profile case.
Aside from premeditated murder, the 26-year-old hacker faces charges of conspiracy to commit a felony, abduction with intent to murder, arson of a vehicle, illegal possession and use of explosives (ammunition), possession of a firearm, and possession of narcotics.
Key witness
At the start of the proceedings, the prosecution requested that a fellow inmate of the hacker in Limassol, who allegedly received details of the crime from him, be called as a prosecution witness. The defense requested that the witness appear in court to allow cross-examination, while the prosecution sought for the witness to testify as a protected witness.
The court’s decision
The court issued a unanimous decision stating that the prosecution requested the witness be granted assistance and testify in the absence of the hacker, who would watch the testimony from another room via video link.
The witness, who is an inmate at the central prison, expressed fears for his partner and two children, as well as for his own safety. The prosecution noted that the hacker had confessed to the witness, making him a critical witness in the case. The prosecution stressed the seriousness of the case, which involves a shooting-related murder.
The defense objected, arguing that the witness had already given 2-3 statements and had not requested inclusion in a witness protection program. The defense also pointed out that the witness’s record does not indicate fear, citing convictions for domestic violence.
In its ruling, the court stated that it is reasonable for someone testifying in such a case to feel fear. The witness is in custody at the central prison and has expressed concerns for his safety and that of his family. Fear could impact the quality of his testimony. The court concluded that the witness requires assistance.
To ensure the quality of the testimony, the accused will be placed in a specially designed room within the court, where he will have live access to the proceedings and be able to instruct his lawyer, safeguarding his rights.
The witness will give his testimony from the witness stand in the courtroom, in front of everyone except the accused.
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