Legal Service Files Appeal in Cyprus ‘Golden Passport’ Case Acquittals

The Legal Service of Cyprus has officially filed an appeal against the recent acquittal of former House President Dimitris Syllouris and former MP Christakis Giovani. This move comes after the Criminal Court of Nicosia dismissed charges connected to the controversial “Golden Passport” citizenship-by-investment programme.

This development signals the start of a new legal phase in a high-profile scandal that profoundly impacted Cyprus’s citizenship scheme and, by extension, its real estate market.

Focus on Judicial Errors and Evidence

The prosecution argues that the majority decision of the 170-page verdict contained notable judicial errors demanding reconsideration by the Court of Appeal. Polina Efthivoulou, Head of the Legal Service’s Communications Team, indicated in a press briefing that the appeal will target specific legal and evidentiary concerns raised by the original ruling.

Senior State Attorneys Andreas Aristides and Christiana Kytheraiotou were part of the announcement team, reaffirming respect for judicial rulings while emphasizing the Constitution’s provision for appeals in case of identified legal mistakes.

Key Issues Under Appeal Include:

• Assessment of witnesses who were not called to testify in court
• Interpretative legal questions derived from the court’s reasoning

The appeal process will unfold before the Court of Appeal, with the defendants retaining the right to respond to the appeal.

Split Verdict in Criminal Court

A notable detail in this case is the split decision by the Criminal Court judges. Senior District Judge Maria Loizou dissented, believing that both defendants were guilty on charges related to influence peddling. The three-judge panel included President Nikolaos Georgiades, Senior District Judges Maria Loizou, and Nagia Oikonomou.

Why the Al Jazeera Footage Was Not Submitted as Evidence

Questions were raised about why the Al Jazeera investigative footage was not used as direct court evidence. Ms Efthivoulou clarified that although the unedited material was reviewed by investigative authorities, admissibility restrictions applied. Evidence must meet strict legal criteria, and footage obtained potentially through unlawful means cannot be accepted as testimony.

Consequently, witnesses involved in the recorded conversations were summoned instead of relying on the audiovisual material. The video, a follow-up to an earlier Al Jazeera report, exposed questionable citizenship grants linked to the scheme.

Ongoing Legal Journey and Wider Implications

With the case now at the Court of Appeal, the prosecution’s legal challenges will be reassessed. This case continues to attract significant attention due to its broader ramifications for the now-defunct Golden Passport programme, which had fueled substantial foreign investment particularly in Cyprus’ luxury property sector before its irreversible termination under EU pressure. The European Commission even initiated infringement proceedings against Cyprus concerning this scheme, detailed further here.

Past Inquiry Reveals Widespread Irregularities

Back in August 2020, former Supreme Court judge Myron Nikolatos led an official inquiry into the Golden Passport programme. The resulting interim report was damning, concluding that unlawful citizenship grants occurred in over 51% of cases studied, revealing systemic flaws throughout the process. Despite this, criminal accountability remains absent, leaving many questions about accountability unanswered.

For property investors eyeing Cyprus, staying informed on such high-profile cases is vital, as these events can influence market dynamics. Whether you’re exploring cheap apartments for sale in Cyprus or seeking prime villas, understanding the legal and political context enriches your decision-making.