Entire Acquittal Decision of the Criminal Court for Syllouris and Tziovanis

The Permanent Criminal Court of Nicosia acquitted the former President of the House of Representatives, Demetris Syllouris, and the former MP, Christakis Tziovanis, in the case related to the "golden passports" scandal and the Al Jazeera report. The decision was by majority and consists of 180 pages. The courtroom was packed with relatives, friends, and associates of the defendants, who erupted in applause and cheers after the announcement of the decision. The proceedings had to be briefly adjourned due to the intensity. The Criminal Court ruled that the Prosecution Authority failed to prove the charges against the two individuals. The case had sparked much debate in Cyprus, as it concerned possible irregularities in the investment-based citizenship program. The acquittal decision marks the end of a long legal process and has significant implications for the credibility of the "golden passports" program.