Defence wavers then holds as German property usurper’s trial resumes
Friday’s hearing at the Nicosia criminal court into the ongoing trial of a German real estate agent was marked by a brief attempt by the defence counsel to withdraw from the case, citing overwhelming evidential volume and procedural constraints.
Defence lawyer Sotiris Argyrou told the court he intended to step aside, arguing that the scale and complexity of the material, much of it in German, made meaningful preparation “practically impossible”.
Argyrou however ultimately conceded and confirmed that he would continue representation at his client’s request.
He stressed that the issue was not a lack of cooperation but capacity, stating, “There has never been a refusal to cooperate,” while adding that “decisions cannot be made without a complete picture of the data”.
He pointed to the logistical burden of reviewing and translating extensive witness material, saying that even with multiple weekly meetings, preparation remained insufficient.
The defence has consistently argued that delays in translation have hindered its ability to fully engage with the case.
The prosecution rejected any suggestion of obstruction, with prosecuting authority spokesperson Anna Mattheou informing the court that no instructions had been issued that could influence proceedings or witnesses and maintained that the material already provided was adequate for preparation.
While acknowledging that some documents remain untranslated, she said a substantial volume had already been delivered and insisted there had been no violation of defence rights.
Following a series of adjournments to allow consultation, Argyrou informed the court that his client did not wish to terminate his representation, effectively reversing his earlier position and allowing proceedings to continue without disruption.
The hearing then moved to evidential matters, with prosecution witness Konstantinos Anastasiou, a sergeant with the Cybercrime unit, presenting findings from a mobile phone data extraction.
Among the exhibits submitted was a USB device containing email folders with photographs, maps and data from land measurement applications.
The defence raised multiple objections during the examination, continuing its challenge to the handling and presentation of evidence.
The case follows Thursday’s unanimous decision by the court to reject the defendant’s request for conditional release.
The bench ruled that “no differentiating data have been demonstrated” to justify her release, leaving her in custody as the trial proceeds.
The accused faces 46 charges, including fraudulent transactions involving real estate, unlawful use of property without owners’ consent and money laundering.
Proceedings are set to resume on Monday, March 23, as the court continues to examine both the substance of the allegations and the procedural challenges raised by the defence.