The committee of inquiry looking into the citizenship-by-investment (CBI) scheme will finally open to the media as of next week, it was announced on Thursday.

In a statement, the committee said it had intended for the media to be present from the outset, but due to the coronavirus situation this was not possible.

The hearings will be taking on the ground floor of the former Filoxenia hotel, in the Jean Monnet auditorium.

On Tuesday, January 19, media people will be allowed inside for the first time.

A maximum of 15 media persons will be given passes. Once proceedings get underway, no photography or recording is permitted.

The state broadcaster alone will be given a few minutes to record footage before proceedings start. The CyBC will then distribute the footage to other channels.

Testifying before the panel next Tuesday will be former finance minister Harris Georgiades. He will be followed by Archbishop Chrysostomos.

President Nicos Anastasiades will be appearing on subsequent dates, to be determined.