Nicosia criminal court hears arguments regarding Avakoum Monastery investigation

During a Wednesday hearing at the Nicosia Permanent Assize Court regarding the financial aspects of the Avakoum Monastery case, the defense challenged police procedures. A police sergeant testified, submitting 215 photographs taken on July 9, 2024, at the monastery, St. Nicholas Church in Fterikoudi, and the Tamasos Metropolis. The defense argued that these images evidenced improper police interference at the sites. During cross-examination, the witness confirmed he had visited the monastery previously for both personal pilgrimages and criminal investigations. The court also unanimously approved defendant Porphyrios' request for legal aid, allowing him to appoint Efstathios Efstathiou as his lawyer. The witness stated he was accompanied by a colleague during the July photo collection and denied having met fathers Dionysios and Bartholomaios prior to that date. These proceedings continue as part of the broader legal scrutiny surrounding the monastery's financial activities.