Legal Analysis of the Appeal in the Syllouris-Giovanis Case

Lawyer Simos Angelides explains that the decision of the Legal Service to appeal the acquittal of Dimitris Syllouris and Christakis Giovanis is based on legal documentation, not emotional reactions.

According to Mr. Angelides, the initial court decision was by majority and led to the acquittal of the defendants due to gaps and omissions in the presentation of the case by the prosecuting authority. These gaps concerned incomplete connection of evidence, unanswered data, and failure to examine witnesses.

The Legal Service filed an appeal, claiming judicial errors in the initial decision. Mr. Angelides clarified that the appeal must prove that the court misapplied the law or improperly assessed the testimony. New testimony cannot be added at the appeal stage.

Mr. Angelides noted that reversals of acquittal decisions are rare, as the Supreme Court must be convinced that the initial court reached a wrong conclusion based on the same material.

He also referred to the long duration of the process, emphasizing that such cases should be tried faster. He commented on the social reaction to the outcome of cases related to the citizenship program, emphasizing the difficulties faced by the Legal Service.

Mr. Angelides concluded that the Supreme Court will decide which approach will prevail, taking into account the reasoning of the Criminal Court and the position of the prosecuting authority.