Syllouris and Giovanis acquitted in ‘golden passports’ case

Former House President Demetris Syllouris and former Akel MP Christakis Giovanis were found not guilty on Tuesday by the Nicosia criminal court regarding their alleged involvement in the ‘golden passports’ scandal.

Five years after Al Jazeera broadcast a video in which high profile officials appeared to be assisting the proxy of a pretend Chinese investor – with a supposed criminal record – secure a Cypriot passport under the citizenship-by-investment scheme, the two remaining defendants – Syllouris and Giovanis – were acquitted.