President of the Republic Nicos Anastasiades will appear on Wednesday before the Assize Court in Nicosia as a defence witness in the trial of former Deputy Attorney General Rikkos Erotokritou, lawyers Andreas Kyprizoglou and Panayiotis Neocleous and the law firm of `Andreas Neocleous`.
President Anastasiades was called by Erotokritou`s defense to appear before the court as a witness in the procedure of the former Deputy Attorney General`s apology before the Assize Court.
It is noted that the Court, in its interim decision on the 3rd of March 2016, ruled that there was a prima facie case against the defendants and invited them to present their arguments.
Erotokritou faces charges of bribery of a public official, bribery of other officials, abuse of power and transactions which indicate corruption.
Panayiotis Neocleous and the law firm face charges of bribery of a public official, active bribery of public officials and transactions which indicate corruption.
All four defendants face charges of conspiracy to prevent the course of justice and conspiracy to defraud.
According to a source close to the President, President Anastasiades had no other choice but to respond positively once he was asked to appear before the Court, since any refusal to appear before the court is considered a criminal offense.
President of the Cyprus Bar Association Doros Ioannides told CNA that it is the first time that a President of Cyprus testifies as a defense witness in a criminal case.
The examination and cross-examination of the President is expected to focus on the two meetings he had at the Presidential Palace with Erotokritou and Attorney General Costas Clerides which related to the competencies of the Attorney General.