The ‘golden passports’ trial linked to the Al Jazeera documentary will begin on January 13, Nicosia criminal court said on Monday after a request for another delay was rejected.

Prosecution requested to delay proceedings by another 15 days until the beginning of February, however the presiding judge refused the request.

Former House president Demetris Syllouris, former Akel MP Christakis Giovanis and senior lawyer for the Giovanis Group Antonis Antoniou are facing charges, including conspiracy to subvert the Republic and influencing a public official in violation of the laws criminalising corruption.

Monday’s hearing was slated to plan the course of the trial over the facts in question.

State prosecutor Charis Karaolidou said she had spoken to the three defence lawyers so they could agree on the facts, however this has yet to be achieved.

More importantly, a witness on the charge sheet is not in Cyprus, though there have been efforts to contact her so she can give testimony.

“So far this has not been possible.”

If the witness does not come forward, then charges linked to her testimony may have to be “re-evaluated” which would narrow down the case.

Karaolidou added she would be unable to “have a perfect grasp on the case” as she has another case that requires her presence in court three times a week.

She asked for an extension so she could prepare and consequently save court time. This was rejected by the court and the date set for January 13.

Syllouris’ lawyer Christos Triantafyllides said he had emailed the prosecution the accepted facts from his side, and if prosecution accepts them, they can move forward without the witnesses needing to testify.
This would be because the facts of the case would be jointly accepted.

The lawyer expressed to the court Syllouris’ wish that proceedings begin.

Karaoilidou specified she had received no such email but at first glance of the content provided to her on the spot, it would be difficult to reach a consensus.

Meanwhile Giovanis’ lawyer George Papaioannou said he had discussed with Antoniou’s lawyer Andreas Pittadjis (who was formerly a defendant on the case) where they believe that 17 witnesses may not need to testify, if their testimony become accepted facts.

Pittadjis said it would be “pointless” to delay the hearing by 15 days.