Golden passports trial delayed for a week

The criminal trial regarding potentially illegal naturalisations which occurred under Cyprus’ citizenship by investment scheme, known as “golden passports”, was delayed for a week on Wednesday due to an absence of one of the judges.

The two remaining judges decided that proceedings will continue on December 5.

It had been expected that the defence and prosecution would address pre-trial objections raised by former Akel MP Christakis Giovanis’ lawyer, arguing there is an absence of a valid law on which the charges against the defendants in the case are based.

Giovanis’ lawyer had already raised the issue at a previous hearing, arguing that three of the charges against his client “lack a legal basis and do not reveal any offence known to the law”.

In the dock alongside Giovanis are former House president Demetris Syllouris and senior member of staff at the Giovanis Group Antonis Antoniou.

All three featured heavily in an Al Jazeera documentary about the golden passports scheme alongside lawyer Andreas Pittadjis.

Pittadjis was initially among the accused, but all charges against him were dropped in October.

The defendants face charges that include conspiracy to defraud the Republic and influencing a public official in violation of the laws criminalising corruption.