CYPRadar 🇨🇾👮 No Trial Within Trial on Evidence in Avakoum Monks Money Laundering Case
The Nicosia criminal court has dismissed the defence's request for a trial within a trial concerning photographs of items submitted as evidence in the Avakoum monks' money laundering and fraud case. The court ruled the photos were taken after the monks had left the monastery, so their rights were not violated. The defence had argued that items were confiscated without search warrants, but the court found these objections would fragment the main trial.
The decision does not guarantee the evidence's admissibility, as objections will be reviewed during the main trial. Proceedings continued with the questioning of a witness who confirmed the photos originated from the Tamasos bishopric and the Avakoum monastery. The defence claimed the witness was illegally present when the evidence was collected. Cross-examination is scheduled to resume on July 6, with additional hearings planned throughout July.
The two monks face charges including money laundering, fraud, and serious religious misconduct. The Holy Synod has already upheld their defrocking. The case centers on allegations that one monk, described as the ringleader, staged exorcisms and other deceptive acts to extort money from believers.
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