Former Volunteer Commissioner Yiannis Giannakis was released on Wednesday morning. He was arrested last Monday, pursuant to a court warrant, after he failed to appear at the Nicosia District Court during the hearing scheduled for the same day, in relation to the case concerning him, citing, through his lawyer, illness, which did not allow him to appear in court.
Mr. Giannaki appeared in court this morning, the Judge of the Nicosia District Court ordered the payment of 500 euros for the purpose of ensuring his presence at the next hearing scheduled for April 2, informing the accused that the proceedings will continue at the scheduled hearing, whether in the presence of his lawyer or not.
She also stressed that in the event that he is not consistent in his presence in court during the next hearing, either the proceedings will continue in his absence, or the court will order him to remain in custody until the conclusion of the trial. "Any delaying practice will not be tolerated," the Judge noted.
It is recalled that the process began in November with the testimony of a police officer, which was not completed.
During today's proceedings, Nicosia District Court Judge Nicole Grigoriou decided that Mr. Giannakis be released, on condition that he deposit the amount of 500 euros for the purposes of ensuring his presence at the next hearing, which is scheduled for April 2.
Earlier, in response to the Judge's questions, Mr. Giannakis stated that at noon last Sunday he had vomiting, which lasted until the evening, which is why he was forced to go to the First Aid, where he was diagnosed with gastritis and given intravenous fluids.
As he noted, although his condition improved after medication, the vomiting, dizziness, and weakness continued.
"It was impossible for me to drive to come," said Mr. Giannakis.
In relation to what the doctor said on Monday before the court, and specifically that he asked her for a certificate so that he could present it at his workplace, Mr. Giannakis responded that she said that she had "a job" vaguely.
Judge Grigoriou indicated to Mr. Giannakis that she had assured him that he would appear with a lawyer, only to add that instead, not only did the defendant not appear, but another lawyer appeared, who said that he was representing Mr. Giannakis only for this specific proceeding.
Asked to answer whether he has found a lawyer, Mr. Giannakis said that he has, with the Judge emphasizing again that it is in his interest to complete this process.
"I have told you this since the previous proceedings. Any delaying tactics will not be tolerated. You must understand this. We must continue to complete the hearing," the Judge said.
He continued by saying that there are currently certain dates for the court proceedings, one on April 2 and the other two on April 8 and 14, informing the defendant that in the event that he is not consistent with his presence, the court will consider the possibility of either continuing in his absence or that he remain in custody until the end of the proceedings.
Regarding the issue of a lawyer, Ms. Grigoriou said that the reasons why Mr. Giannakis cannot find a lawyer "do not concern the court," noting that the testimony of the police witness has been pending since November.
"Four months have passed and we've been coming and going and we can't find a lawyer. I'm telling you, whether there's a lawyer or not, on April 2nd the case will be heard and the witness will be here," he added.
The Judge finally stated that "given that the defendant remained in custody for 48 hours, he will be released, provided that he deposits the amount of 500 euros, for the purposes of ensuring his presence."
It is noted that the April 2nd hearing will take place at 09:00.
Source: KYPE
