golden passports — In a significant development in the golden passports trial, former parliament speaker Demetris Syllouris pleaded not guilty on Thursday before Nicosia’s Criminal Court. He stands alongside Christakis Giovanis, the second defendant in this high-profile corruption case.
- The trial continues, with the next hearing scheduled for 15 September at 10am, where witnesses from Giovanis’s defence are expected to take the stand.
During the proceedings, Giovanis issued an unsworn statement asserting that he never believed his actions were illegal or wrong concerning the documentation he signed, particularly in relation to the Nikolay Gornovsky case. He clarified that the documents were prepared by Andreas Pittadjis, the lawyer representing both him and the Group.
Syllouris, addressing the court, expressed his attentiveness to the testimony presented and categorically denied any intention to violate the law. “I declare categorically that I am innocent of all charges I face in this case, which has completely unjustly caused enormous problems for me and my family,” Syllouris said, emphasising his innocence amidst the serious allegations.
In his defence, Giovanis reiterated his stance, stating, “I never thought or believed there was anything reprehensible, nor did I do anything reprehensible.” He noted that the citizenship handling was managed by Pittadjis’s law firm, which acted as a Provider, further distancing himself from any wrongdoing.
Testimony from Sokratis Sokratous, former Director General of Parliament, provided context regarding Syllouris’s international engagements. He recounted a November 2019 official visit to China led by Syllouris, where discussions on trade were held. According to Sokratous, this trip included participation from MPs across all parliamentary parties, highlighting the collaborative nature of such diplomatic missions.
Sokratous explained that parliamentary diplomacy allows for the promotion of economic, cultural, and political relations without special authorisation. He stressed that these operations are essential for fostering Cyprus’s economic ties, especially in attracting foreign investment.
During the hearing, a letter from the former President of the Republic was also introduced as evidence. This document, which does not require the secretary’s presence for verification, confirms the authorisation granted to Syllouris for investment attraction efforts in Cyprus.
The trial continues, with the next hearing scheduled for 15 September at 10am, where witnesses from Giovanis’s defence are expected to take the stand.
