Defense challenges evidence in Avvakoum Monastery trial

During Monday's session at the Permanent Criminal Court of Nicosia regarding the Avvakoum Monastery case, the defense raised objections concerning the admissibility of evidence. The proceeding involved testimony from police officer A.X., who stated she received case exhibits on July 13 from an investigator and maintained their custody. Defense attorney Kostis Efstathiou argued that the prosecution failed to prove the legality of how the evidence was obtained. He further contended that the chain of custody has not been established, citing a lack of clarity regarding who located, handled, and accessed the items before they reached police custody. The defense maintains that these procedural details are vital for verifying the integrity of the evidence. The court has reserved its decision on the defense’s objection for July 20.