Nicosia, Cyprus. Defence attorneys for Avakoum monastery clerics Nektarios and Porfyrios raised objections on Monday over the admissibility of evidence presented by prosecutors, arguing that the chain of custody may have been broken.
The two monks face charges including conspiracy to defraud, forgery, use of false documents, theft by proxy, handling stolen goods, money laundering, interfering with judicial proceedings and submitting fraudulent tax returns.
Evidence dispute
The case emerged after authorities found €800,000 in cash and uncovered allegations involving fake miracles and CCTV footage of prohibited sexual acts.
Earlier in the proceedings, defence lawyers said that, on the night of March 5, 2024, after the monastery gates had closed, several hooded individuals entered the premises and removed items that later ended up at the Tamasos bishopric.
The lawyers said the items subsequently came into police possession and sought a trial within a trial to determine whether they had been obtained unlawfully.
Court proceedings
The court rejected the request for a trial within a trial but said the defendants could raise objections concerning the admissibility of specific evidence.
On Monday, the defence returned to the issue during testimony by a prosecution witness, a constable responsible for safeguarding evidence collected by police.
As prosecutors presented several items of evidence, defence lawyer Costis Efstathiou challenged their admissibility and suggested that the chain of custody had been compromised.