Nicosia, Cyprus. The trial of former transport minister Marios Demetriades over allegedly suspicious naturalisations under Cyprus’ citizenship through investment scheme was adjourned on Wednesday until September 14. Demetriades and nine other defendants are facing multiple charges linked to the so-called golden passport scheme.
Court schedule and charges
The defendants, comprising seven natural persons and two legal entities in addition to Demetriades, are due to appear before the Nicosia criminal court on September 14. The charges include influence peddling, bribery, extortion, conspiracy to defraud, money laundering, and violations of the Council of Europe’s convention on the criminalisation of corruption.
Pre-trial issues under examination
Before the next hearing, the court will examine pre-trial issues raised by the defence on July 24. A letter has been sent to attorney-general George Savvides seeking information on whether an agreement has been reached with a key witness for immunity or favourable treatment in possible criminal proceedings against that witness.
Background to the case
Demetriades served under former President Nicos Anastasiades from 2014 to 2018. Interim findings of an investigation into the golden passport scheme in 2021 said that 137 naturalisations promoted by a law firm linked to Demetriades were approved at cabinet meetings he had attended.
Demetriades’ response
Demetriades has denied wrongdoing and said he is being made a scapegoat in the case. In 2024, he said that for three years his personal, family and professional life, as well as all of his political decisions, had been thoroughly examined and that no fault had been found.
He also said he had absolute trust in justice and that truth and justice would ultimately prevail.