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Tag: Golden Passports

  • Giovani Lawyer Critiques Prosecution in Golden Passports Trial

    Giovani Lawyer Critiques Prosecution in Golden Passports Trial

    The golden passports trial is drawing significant scrutiny as George Papaioannou, the defence lawyer representing former MP Christakis Giovanis, delivered his final address in the Nicosia Criminal Court. He accused the prosecution of engaging in “manifest deception” against the defence.

    • “This was decided along the way, without amending the indictment and with manifest deception of the defence,” Papaioannou argued, highlighting the discrepancies that had arisen.
    • In light of these arguments, he requested the court to acquit Giovanis on all charges.

    This case, linked to the infamous golden passports scandal, emerged following a 2020 Al Jazeera undercover investigation that prompted the resignations of Giovanis and former Speaker of the House, Demetris Syllouris.

    Golden passports: Prosecution’s Focus Shift

    Papaioannou asserted that the prosecution had strayed from the original charges, which were centred on residency permit criteria. He claimed that the courtroom evidence was concentrated on financial issues that had not been investigated by the police, thereby compromising the accused’s right to a fair trial.

    During interrogations, he noted that Giovanis, Syllouris, and lawyer Andreas Pittadjis were questioned solely about residency permits, which formed the basis of charges two and three. However, he pointed out that none of the police inquiries addressed the financial aspects that the prosecution later relied upon in court.

    “This was decided along the way, without amending the indictment and with manifest deception of the defence,” Papaioannou argued, highlighting the discrepancies that had arisen.

    Concerns Over Missing Testimonies

    Another pivotal aspect of Papaioannou’s address was the absence of two crucial figures from the trial, which he claimed resulted in significant gaps in testimony and distorted the facts presented in court. He specifically mentioned the missing service provider, Andreas Pittadjis, who had played a central role in the case as both Gornovski’s lawyer and Giovanis’s legal advisor.

    Pittadjis was initially co-defendant in the first three indictments but was removed from the fourth indictment without explanation, raising concerns about the integrity of the prosecution’s case. Papaioannou contended that the evidence suggested Pittadjis had a far more active role than Giovanis, whose involvement was limited to signing the Reservation Agreement under Pittadjis’s guidance.

    He also noted that Nikolai Gornovski, the naturalised investor, was absent from the indictment and had not been questioned as a suspect. “The absence of both the service provider and the investor creates a one-sided and distorted picture of the case,” he emphasised.

    Call for Acquittal Amidst Legal Flaws

    Papaioannou concluded his address by highlighting the overarching flaws in the legal process, asserting that the defence was presented with charges that diverged significantly from those initially investigated. He introduced the notion of “lurking doubt,” suggesting that the case was fraught with insurmountable issues that would render any conviction “extremely erroneous” and “insecure.”

    In light of these arguments, he requested the court to acquit Giovanis on all charges.

    Prosecution’s Next Steps

    In response to the defence’s claims, prosecution representative Charis Karaolidou sought additional time from the court to formulate a counter to the assertions regarding fair trial violations. The court has scheduled a new hearing for tomorrow at 09:30 to address the prosecution’s response and will announce the date for its decision afterward.

  • Syllouris and Giovanis Maintain Innocence in Golden Passports Case

    Syllouris and Giovanis Maintain Innocence in Golden Passports Case

    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 is facing charges alongside Christakis Giovanis, who also insists he acted lawfully and without wrongdoing.

    • This authorisation letter from March 2015 is pivotal as it supports Syllouris's claims regarding his official capacity and the legitimacy of his actions in the context of the golden passports scheme.
    • This trial is poised to remain in the public eye, drawing attention to the broader implications of the golden passports scheme and its impact on Cyprus's international reputation.

    Defendants’ Stance on Allegations

    During the hearing, Syllouris expressed his commitment to addressing the accusations directly. He stated, “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.” His unsworn statement underlined his belief that he did not violate the law in any capacity regarding the golden passports scheme.

    Giovanis echoed Syllouris’s sentiments in his own unsworn statement, asserting that he had not committed any illegal acts. He explained that the documents he signed in the Nikolay Gornovsky case were either requested or drafted by lawyer Andreas Pittadjis, who represents both him and the Group. “I never thought or believed there was anything reprehensible, nor did I do anything reprehensible,” Giovanis stated.

    Details of the Golden Passports Scheme

    The golden passports scheme in question has garnered considerable attention, as it involves allegations of corruption surrounding the issuance of citizenship to foreign investors. The case has drawn scrutiny from both local and international media, particularly considering the high-profile nature of the defendants.

    During the proceedings, Syllouris maintained that he closely followed the court’s testimony and reiterated his position that he did not engage in any actions that would satisfy the charges. His defence seeks to establish that the actions taken were part of legitimate parliamentary duties.

    Testimony from Former Parliamentary Director

    As the trial progressed, Sokratis Sokratous, the former Director General of Parliament, provided testimony on the official trips undertaken by Syllouris during his tenure as Speaker. Sokratous confirmed that an official visit to China took place in November 2019, led by Syllouris, where discussions on imports and exports were held.

    According to Sokratous, the selection of Members of Parliament (MPs) for participation in such trips is made exclusively by their respective parties. He defended the necessity of these visits, emphasising their role within the framework of parliamentary diplomacy, which aims to promote Cyprus’s economic, cultural, and political interests abroad.

    Insights into Parliamentary Diplomacy

    Sokratous elaborated on the operations of parliamentary diplomacy, explaining that it allows Parliament to function autonomously when promoting the Republic’s interests. He highlighted the importance of attracting foreign investment, noting that parliamentary delegations are often accompanied by representatives from the Cyprus Investment Promotion Agency (CIPA).

    The focus on economic relations with non-EU countries is a crucial aspect of this diplomatic effort. Sokratous clarified that the aim is not only to foster political ties but also to enhance economic prospects for Cyprus.

    Submission of Evidence

    During the hearing, the court agreed to admit a letter from the former President of Cyprus, which provided authorisation for Syllouris to attract investments to the country. Initially, the secretary of the former President was to appear in court to confirm the document, but her presence was deemed unnecessary after the prosecution consented to submit it as evidence.

    This authorisation letter from March 2015 is pivotal as it supports Syllouris’s claims regarding his official capacity and the legitimacy of his actions in the context of the golden passports scheme.

    Next Steps in the Trial

    The proceedings are set to continue with further hearings scheduled. The next session is slated for 15 September at 10am, where witnesses called by Giovanis’s defence team will be examined. As the trial unfolds, both defendants are expected to maintain their positions of innocence, with their legal teams prepared to counter the allegations brought against them.

    This trial is poised to remain in the public eye, drawing attention to the broader implications of the golden passports scheme and its impact on Cyprus’s international reputation.

  • Corruption Trial: Anastasiades’ Letter Reveals Links to Golden Passports Scheme

    Corruption Trial: Anastasiades’ Letter Reveals Links to Golden Passports Scheme

    golden passports — The corruption trial involving Demetris Syllouris and Christakis Giovanis has shed light on the role of former President Nicos Anastasiades in the controversial golden passports scheme. A secretary who managed correspondence for Anastasiades will testify as a defence witness, further intertwining the former president’s legacy with the allegations at hand.

    The pivotal letter, which granted Syllouris, a former House Speaker, and others authority to attract foreign investments to Cyprus, was sent in the wake of the 2013 economic crisis. Defence lawyer Christos Triantafyllides plans to call this secretary, along with another witness, to affirm the legitimacy of their actions as aimed at rejuvenating the Cypriot economy.

    At the core of the trial are serious allegations against Syllouris and Giovanis, including conspiracy to subvert the Republic and influencing a public official. These charges emerged after an Al Jazeera documentary aired in October 2020, which exposed how the citizenship investment programme was allegedly exploited for personal gain. Following the exposé, both defendants resigned from their official positions.

    The undercover investigation revealed that Syllouris and Giovanis offered assistance to a fictitious Chinese businessman, promising him a streamlined process to acquire Cypriot citizenship in exchange for a substantial investment of at least €2.15 million. Syllouris’s assurances included claims that the applicant had a “99 percent” chance of success, raising eyebrows about the integrity of the programme.

    Evidence presented by the prosecution includes allegations that Syllouris received €200,000 for services rendered to Giovanis’s property company, with additional payments involving his daughter. This raised further questions regarding the extent of their financial dealings and possible conflicts of interest.

    Compounding these issues is the revelation that a law firm founded by Anastasiades, now operated by his daughters, processed numerous golden passport applications during his presidency. Critics have pointed out a clear conflict of interest, particularly given that 137 individuals were granted citizenship through this law firm while Anastasiades was in office.

    The Nicolatos inquiry committee reported that 53 percent of the 6,779 citizenships granted under the scheme between 2007 and August 2020 were unlawful. The committee’s findings suggested that while politicians bore political responsibilities, certain individuals involved in the application process may face criminal charges.

    As the trial progresses, Triantafyllides has requested a postponement, citing scheduling conflicts for the two witnesses. Giovanis’s defence counsel is also prepared to present witnesses, including family members, to support their case.

    The three-member judicial panel agreed to delay proceedings until Thursday to ensure all relevant witnesses could attend. The fallout from the Al Jazeera revelations has led to the termination of the Cyprus Investment Programme and prompted legal action from the European Union, highlighting concerns about the programme’s integrity and the individuals it attracted.

  • Concerns Emerge Over Potential Return of Golden Passports in Cyprus

    Concerns Emerge Over Potential Return of Golden Passports in Cyprus

    golden passports — The topic of fast-track citizenship, often referred to as golden passports, has resurfaced in Cyprus, prompting significant concerns among legislators and the public alike. This renewed focus follows inquiries by independent MP Alexandra Attalides regarding the recent modifications to citizenship laws.

    Photo: cyprus-mail.com

    In Cyprus, there are three primary pathways to citizenship: descent from Cypriot parents, marriage to a Cypriot, and naturalisation. The first two avenues are not applicable to the majority of applicants, leaving naturalisation as the common route for third-country nationals. This process, governed by Article 111 of the Population Register Law of 2002, requires individuals to be residents for eight years, with the final year spent continuously in Cyprus. Additionally, applicants must demonstrate good character, financial independence, and proficiency in Greek.

    However, amendments to the law have introduced a new pathway tailored for “highly specialised” employees, primarily within the IT and technology sectors, who can now apply for citizenship after just four years. This change also eases the language requirements, permitting applicants to speak Greek at an A2 level, although an extra year is added to the residency requirement in such cases.

    In her inquiries, Attalides learned from Interior Minister Constantinos Ioannou that 208 third-country nationals, along with 65 dependents, had successfully obtained citizenship under this revised framework, with an additional 360 applications pending. The MP’s request for details on the companies employing these individuals and the number of citizenships granted per company was met with the response that such records were neither maintained nor required by law.

    Attalides expressed her concerns that the changes might enable companies to effectively sell citizenships, drawing parallels to the now-defunct Cyprus Citizenship by Investment Programme (CIP), which faced significant scrutiny before its discontinuation in 2020. She plans to introduce a draft law aimed at mandating the migration department to maintain comprehensive records of applicants, including their employers, nationalities, job positions, and qualifications, in a bid to ensure transparency.

    “If you go on TikTok, I’ve seen foreigners who are advertising this scheme, saying ‘Come to Cyprus, get a job, get citizenship’,” she claimed, highlighting the potential for exploitation of the fast-track provisions.

    Online platforms like TikTok have indeed seen a surge in content promoting the ease of obtaining Cypriot citizenship. While there is nothing illegal about lawyers or consultants assisting individuals in navigating the citizenship process, the lack of oversight raises critical questions about fairness and equal opportunity. Attalides is wary that without proper regulation, certain well-connected companies could benefit disproportionately from the relaxed criteria.

    Cyprus’ government aims to position the country as a leading hub for technology and innovation, a strategy that Deputy Minister of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy, Nicodemos Damianou, believes is essential for economic growth. He noted that the technology sector contributes over 14 per cent to the national GDP, asserting that attracting specialised talent is vital for future development.

    However, this focus on attracting high-skilled professionals through fast-track citizenship raises ethical questions about the nature of citizenship itself. Many long-term residents, such as domestic workers or entrepreneurs in other sectors, may find themselves overlooked despite their contributions to society. The contrast is stark, as individuals who may have lived in Cyprus for years and integrated into the community often struggle to obtain citizenship, while those in high-demand sectors are fast-tracked.

    The issue at hand is not solely about the criteria for citizenship but also about what values underlie these legal frameworks. Should citizenship be awarded based on economic utility, or should it reflect a deeper connection to the country? Attalides, who opposed the recent amendments, suggests that a more equitable approach would be to grant residence permits instead of citizenship to those in specialised roles.

    As discussions unfold about the implications of these changes, Attalides warns, “In a few years from now, this will be the new big scandal.” The path forward remains fraught with challenges, as the balance between economic needs and ethical considerations continues to be debated.