During the ongoing Avakoum monastery trial in Nicosia criminal court, questions have emerged regarding the legitimacy of police actions when documenting and cataloguing evidentiary items. Monks Nektarios and Porfyrios face serious charges including conspiracy to defraud, forgery, theft by proxy, money laundering, and submitting fraudulent tax returns. Both have pleaded not guilty.

Defense lawyers challenged a police officer's testimony about evidence photography conducted at the Tamasos bishopric and the monastery, highlighting his inability to recall key details such as who catalogued items, whether items were removed from safes before photography, and if permission or a warrant was obtained for police entry. Earlier, the defense described unauthorized individuals removing items from the monastery, which were later handed to police.

Separately, a request by one of the monks for legal aid was disputed by prosecutors who cited his employment income and property ownership. The court has requested further financial details before deciding. The trial is set to continue on Wednesday.