Yiannakis Yiannaki: The Three Charges and Potential Penalties

The Nicosia District Court acquitted former Commissioner of Volunteerism, Yiannis Yiannaki, of five charges after a contentious hearing. Judge Nicol Grigoriou criticized the prosecution for delaying tactics, with the Legal Service deciding to suspend the charges related to forging a document and circulating a false letter of recommendation for his employment at the Youth Board of Cyprus.

Despite the acquittal, Yiannis Yiannaki still faces three charges, considered the most serious, carrying a prison sentence of up to 5 years. The charges relate to the circulation of forged official documents knowingly and fraudulently. Specifically, he is accused of presenting documents to the Republic of Cyprus from an American University and a Cypriot High School as genuine.

Judge Nicol Grigoriou scheduled a new hearing on August 29 to decide whether there is a prima facie case. A new hearing for sentencing will follow.