Cyprus’s Permanent Criminal Court in Nicosia is set to deliver its verdict this morning in one of the country’s most high-profile criminal cases in recent years, linked to the so-called golden passports scandal and the Al Jazeera reports that exposed it.
The court will announce its ruling at 10:00am on the two defendants: former House of Representatives President Demetris Syllouris and former MP and businessman Christakis Giovanis. Both face charges including corruption and abuse of power.
The prosecution alleges the two men used their institutional positions and influence to interfere with or expedite exceptional naturalisation procedures for foreign investors and businesspeople.
The case draws in part on the findings of an Investigative Committee chaired by Myron Nicolatos, which recorded serious weaknesses and omissions in the naturalisation programme and noted probable interventions in specific cases.
During the trial, the prosecution argued that critical information had not been placed before the relevant authorities, including the Council of Ministers, at the time in question — a failure it said affected decision-making.
The defence rejected the charges, alleging abuse of process and a violation of the defendants’ right to a fair trial.
Today’s ruling will determine whether the two former officials are found guilty or acquitted in a case that has left a deep mark on Cypriot political and institutional life.
(information from CNA)
