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The trial in Cyprus’ golden passport case was due to begin Monday. Instead, prosecutors brought 25 more proposed charges to court, and the first day of hearings was put off.
Former Transport Minister Marios Demetriades is among the 10 defendants, but his lawyer, Petros Stavrou, said none of the new charges concern him. The additions target five other defendants.
The change matters because the defense now needs time to examine what it is being asked to answer. Lawyer Elias Stefanou told the Nicosia Criminal Court that 22 of the new charges relate to existing allegations that registrations were obtained through false representations. The other three concern money laundering obligations linked to transactions involving three investors. He said those three are different in nature and may need clarification.
Prosecutor Haris Karaolidou argued that the new charges come from evidence already in the case and concern the same sequence of events. Because the trial is still at an early stage, she said, adding them should not harm the defendants’ ability to prepare their defense. Stefanou did not say he would object; he asked for time to study the amended indictment and witness material.
The court will hear his position on September 23 at 10 a.m. The hearing that had been expected to start Monday is now scheduled for October 19, 20 and 21. The court also allowed prosecutors to add three witnesses after the defense raised no objection.
For anyone waiting to see Cyprus’ passport-for-investment scandal tested in court, Monday brought a bigger charge sheet and another delay. The case was already scheduled to begin on September 14 after earlier adjournments.
All 10 defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
