Trial proceedings begin in the Saint Avvakum Monastery financial scandal case

The Nicosia Permanent Assize Court began the substantive trial of the Saint Avvakum Monastery financial scandal on Tuesday. Prosecutor Vasilis Bissas requested amendments to charges 10, 11, and 13 against the first defendant, Monk Nektarios, to better reflect the evidence intended for the court. The court approved these amendments, which involve charges of fraudulent use of counterfeit documents (charges 10 and 13) and the theft of 20,000 euros (charge 11). Monk Nektarios pleaded not guilty to the amended charges. Defense attorney Kostis Efstathiou subsequently requested further details regarding charges 1, 4, and 15, specifically seeking clarification on the ownership of alleged illicit funds and the nature of the illegal activities supporting the money laundering charge. The prosecutor acknowledged receipt of the request for further information. The proceedings also involved the testimony of the first prosecution witness.