Court denies release for Giorgos Christodoulou pending drug retrial

The Nicosia permanent criminal court has unanimously ruled that Giorgos Christodoulou, also known as Zavrantonas, must remain in custody pending a retrial. The case involves the importation and possession of over 15kg of high-purity cocaine. In December 2022, Christodoulou was originally sentenced to 22 years in prison, but the appeals court recently overturned this conviction and ordered a complete retrial. The defense had requested release under conditions, citing the six-year delay in proceedings, but the court rejected this, citing a serious risk of absconding and further criminal activity. The court emphasized the gravity of the charges and the defendant's alleged dominant role in an organized criminal network. Although the delay in the judicial process was acknowledged, the court stated that the retrial would be prioritized. The next hearing for the substantive case is scheduled for June 2, 2026. Christodoulou is also currently facing proceedings in another separate case before a Nicosia criminal court.