Former volunteerism commissioner Yiannakis Yiannaki was released on Wednesday morning after spending 48 hours in custody.

His release was granted on the condition that he deposits €500 to ensure his presence at the next court hearing, scheduled for April 2.

Yiannakis was remanded on Monday under a court warrant after failing to appear at the Nicosia District Court for his scheduled hearing, citing illness through his lawyer. In court on Wednesday, he explained that he had suffered from vomiting and dizziness since Sunday, which led him to seek medical treatment.

He stated that he was diagnosed with gastritis and received IV fluids but continued to experience symptoms, making it impossible for him to drive to court.

Judge Nicole Grigoriou questioned Yiannaki about his absence, highlighting a discrepancy regarding his request for a medical certificate. She pointed out that, despite assuring the court that he would appear with legal representation, he had failed to do so, and another lawyer had stepped in solely for that procedure. When asked if he had secured a lawyer, Yiannaki confirmed that he had. The judge stressed that it was in his best interest to complete the trial without further delays.

“I have told you this from the previous procedure. Any delaying tactics will not be tolerated. You must understand this. We must continue to complete the hearing,” the judge said, reiterating that the trial will proceed as planned, regardless of his presence or legal representation.

The judge outlined the upcoming court dates, April 2, 8 and 14, and warned that if Yiannaki fails to attend, the court will either proceed in his absence or order his remand until the trial concludes. She also dismissed his difficulty in securing legal representation as irrelevant to the court, noting that the testimony of a police witness had been pending since November.

“Four months have passed, and we have been coming and going without securing a lawyer. I am telling you, whether there is a lawyer or not, on April 2, the case will be heard, and the witness will be here,”judge Grigoriou stated.

The case against Yiannakis involves 18 charges linked to allegations that he falsified his high school and university diplomas, accusations that led to his resignation and an official investigation into his credentials.

The trial is set to continue on April 2 at 9am, with the judge making it clear that no further delays will be tolerated.