Nicosia, Cyprus. Former bar association head Christos Clerides said the acquittal of Demetris Syllouris and Christakis Giovanis in the golden passports case was “expected,” calling it one of several failures by the legal service.
Clerides on the acquittals
Clerides said he believed from the outset that the indictment could not be proved, adding that developments surrounding the non-presentation of the Al Jazeera video made the case more difficult. He said the case should not have been filed, arguing that in criminal court everything must be proven beyond any reasonable doubt.
Al Jazeera video excluded from evidence
Clerides referred to a court decision not to accept as evidence an Al Jazeera video showing high-profile officials appearing to assist the proxy of a pretend Chinese investor, said to have a criminal record, in securing a Cypriot passport under the citizenship-by-investment scheme. Presiding judge Nicholas Georgiades said from the beginning that the video was not part of the evidence and that the final charges were not linked to its contents.
Trial duration and broader case outcomes
Clerides said the trial lasted five years, which he described as unacceptable, adding it should have been tried in one year at most. He said there has not yet been a significant conviction against any person accused in the passport case, adding that while there may have been some of lesser importance, the big cases resulted only in acquittals.
Pending investigations and criticism of the legal service
Clerides said there were still many cases pending investigation and others that should be taken to trial, according to the inquiry commission. He said it was a pity that the legal service had not successfully concluded what he described as a difficult task that should have been given due importance and significance in every aspect.
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