Nicosia, Cyprus. The Law Office will appeal Tuesday’s acquittal of former House President Demetris Syllouris and former Akel MP Christakis Giovanis, who were on trial for alleged involvement in the ‘golden passports’ scandal. The legal service studied the Nicosia criminal court ruling on Tuesday and deemed it could be appealed.
Appeal decision and announcement
The decision is expected to be officially announced on Wednesday at a press conference, where the Law Office will explain the reasons for appealing.
Reaction to court ruling
Sources said the attorney-general’s office was irked by criticism it received after the court ruling, including claims that the aim was for the defendants to be acquitted.
Calls for resignations
Alma called on attorney-general George Savvides and deputy attorney-general Savvas Angelides to resign, saying this was the only option and echoing a similar call by Volt the previous day. Alma said the court’s ruling “buried the golden passport scandal”, adding that there had been no “technical error” by the Law Office in supporting the prosecution but a “clear conflict of interest”.
Inquiry findings cited
Former financial commissioner Pavlos Ioannou told Alphanews that the inquiry commission had described the case as a “high-risk” one and sent its findings to the Law Office, which then mobilised the police. He said the report identified around 3,000 passports issued illegally for family members who did not meet the requirements, while repeated changes to the financial framework allowed interventions for personal gains.
What reasons will the Law Office cite for appealing the acquittal?
