Nicosia district court on Tuesday ruled against any further delays in the trial of former volunteer commissioner Yiannakis Yiannaki, following a request from his defence lawyer, Thanasis Korfiotis, to withdraw from the case.

The court’s decision comes as judge Nicole Gregoriou made it clear that there would be no additional adjournments and set a new hearing date for March 10, emphasising that the defence must commit to fixed dates.

Yiannaki resigned from his position amid investigations into allegations that he falsified his high school and university diplomas. The case involves 18 charges stemming from the alleged forgery of his academic credentials.

The withdrawal motion, granted by the court on Tuesday, saw Korfiotis cite ongoing disagreements between himself and his client as the primary reason for his withdrawal.

He explained that, despite efforts from both the prosecution and the defence to expedite the trial process, no resolution had been reached.

Korfiotis revealed that the differences in approach between him and Yiannaki made it impossible for him to continue in the case, prompting his withdrawal request.

Judge Gregoriou responded by underlining the urgency of moving the case forward.

“It has already been three months since the change of defence counsel, and no progress has been made,” she said.

“I will not tolerate any further delays.”

She expressed concern that the legal process was dragging on, wasting valuable time and stated the need for quicker resolution.

The prosecution also addressed the matter, acknowledging that efforts had been made to streamline the judicial process. However, it stressed that the defendant’s responsibility lay in the time taken.

Gregoriou asked Yiannaki whether he wished to appoint another lawyer, to which he affirmed.

She then set a firm new date for the trial on March 10, when Yiannaki’s new defence lawyer will be expected to provide a clear commitment to specific dates for the remaining hearings.

“The case must be concluded within the current judicial year,” Gregoriou said in closing.