The Zavrantonas retrial is seeing significant developments as key prosecution witness Yiannis ‘Maronas’ Andreou faces intense cross-examination. On Thursday, Andreou admitted to previously lying to authorities, a revelation that has put his credibility under scrutiny.
During Friday’s proceedings, defence lawyer Christos Poudjouris claimed that Andreou received preferential treatment, highlighting his early release from a 16-year sentence following a deal with the authorities in exchange for testimony against Giorgos ‘Zavrantonas’ Christodoulou. Christodoulou is currently on trial for importing 15kg of cocaine with intent to sell.
The retrial comes after an appeals court overturned Christodoulou’s 22-year sentence handed down in December 2022, ordering a fresh examination of the case. Andreou, who turned state witness after being granted a presidential pardon, cannot further implicate himself due to double jeopardy principles.
As the cross-examination progressed, Poudjouris pointed out that both key witnesses in the case were in a protection programme. Poudjouris also referenced an incident involving Andreou, who had allegedly insulted and threatened Anna Aristotelous, the former prison director, as well as senior police officer Michalis Katsounotos. Andreou acknowledged that a complaint had been filed against him but denied the accusations.
In a dramatic turn, the defence presented CCTV footage showing Aristides (Aristos) Kyprianou visiting Andreou in January 2019. Poudjouris suggested that Kyprianou left with an envelope containing cash, a claim Andreou did not dispute but claimed ignorance about its contents.
The defence further alleged that Andreou had organised a poker game the day before his arrest, to which Andreou admitted but insisted he had no involvement, stating, “I did not know how to play.” Additionally, Poudjouris raised claims of Andreou ordering food while in prison and celebrating his birthday with expensive champagne, suggesting he had access to luxuries not typically afforded to inmates.
When confronted about having multiple mobile phones during his incarceration, Andreou confirmed possession of three, one with a Turkish number. However, these phones were not presented in court, leading Poudjouris to assert that Andreou had discarded them intentionally.
Throughout the cross-examination, Andreou maintained that his second testimony was accurate, despite the barrage of challenges from the defence. As the session concluded, the court scheduled the next hearing for July 21, when additional witnesses are expected to be called.
