Nicosia Criminal Court reserves decision on defense motion in drug case

The Nicosia Permanent Criminal Court has reserved its decision regarding a defense motion to access three specific documents concerning the key prosecution witness, Giannis Andreou, known as 'Maronas'. The case involves Giorgos Christodoulou, known as 'Zavrantonas', who is accused of possessing over 15 kilograms of cocaine. The requested documents pertain to a presidential pardon granted to the witness and outstanding arrest warrants against him from a separate criminal case. The defense team claims the witness, who was initially sentenced to 16 years in prison, was released after serving approximately three and a half years on the condition that he leaves Cyprus. Furthermore, the defense has raised a preliminary objection, arguing that the proceedings constitute a mistrial following the Court of Appeal's annulment of the previous trial due to improper court composition. Defense attorney Christos Poutziouris requested the suspension of the current trial and a formal re-registration of the case. The court has scheduled the announcement of its ruling on these matters for June 16 at 09:00.