Key witness testifies in the retrial of Giorgos Christodoulou-Zavrantonas

The Permanent Assize Court of Nicosia is currently hearing the retrial of Giorgos Christodoulou-Zavrantonas regarding a 2019 case involving 15 kilograms of cocaine found in Lakatamia. Giannis Andreou, known as 'Maronas', testified on Thursday as the main prosecution witness, retracting his initial 2019 statement in which he claimed sole responsibility for the drugs. Andreou explained that he initially provided false information out of fear but maintained that his second statement, given in June 2020, is the truth. Based on his later testimony, Andreou was granted a presidential pardon and enrolled in a witness protection program after serving three and a half years of his original 16-year sentence. The current retrial follows an Appeal Court decision on May 11, 2026, which overturned Zavrantonas's previous 22-year sentence due to issues regarding the composition of the original court. Stringent security measures, coordinated by the Special Anti-Terrorist Squad, were implemented at the courthouse to protect Andreou during his appearance. Zavrantonas remains accused of orchestrating the drug operation.