Retrial of Giorgos Christodoulou Zavrantonas enters final stage

The Nicosia Permanent Assize Court has set November 17, 2026, as the date for final closing arguments in the retrial of Giorgos Christodoulou Zavrantonas. The defendant is facing charges related to the possession of 15 kilograms of cocaine with intent to supply. During the latest court session, Zavrantonas’s defense counsel informed the court that his client has chosen to exercise his right to silence, retracting a previous intent to make an unsworn statement.

This legal proceeding follows an Appellate Court decision that overturned a prior 22-year prison sentence previously imposed on Zavrantonas due to a mistrial. During the previous hearing, the court had unanimously ruled that a prima facie case against the defendant had been established, leading to the current summons for his defense. The upcoming session on November 17 will allow both the prosecution and the defense to present their final submissions before a new verdict is reached.