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Naturalization trial to begin on January 13, 2025

The criminal case related to the Al Jazeera investigation and the exceptional naturalization of foreign investors and businessmen, based on the Nicolatos Committee’s findings, is set to proceed to its substantive hearing on January 13, 2025.

The three defendants face charges of conspiracy to subvert the Republic and influencing a public official, in violation of the Law ratifying the Council of Europe Convention on the Criminalization of Corruption.

During their appearance before the Permanent Criminal Court of Nicosia on Monday, the proceedings were once again adjourned. This delay occurred because the prosecution has yet to provide the defense with the full list of evidence, although they assured it would be delivered within ten days.

The court also scheduled a procedural planning session for December 16, 2024, at 9:30 AM, where the defendants will appear under the same conditions as before.

During the hearing, defense lawyers indicated their intention to admit certain facts to expedite the trial. They suggested that 16 out of the 32 witnesses would likely be admitted, cutting the number of testimonies in half.

Notably, lawyer Andreas Pittatziis, who had been one of the defendants, was acquitted on October 11, 2023. He will now return to court as the lawyer for one of the remaining defendants.

It’s important to remember that all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.

( Source : CNA)

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