Cyprus court rejects defense request in Central Prisons document theft case

The Nicosia Permanent Assize Court has rejected a defense request for the handover of documents and electronic files in a criminal case involving the former director of the Central Prisons, Anna Aristotelous, and seven others. The court ruled that withholding these materials by the prosecuting authority is a necessary measure to protect the public interest.

The case involves allegations of conspiracy to commit a felony and the theft of state property, including 48,432 documents, 370 architectural plans of the Central Prisons, and 431 digital data items. These materials were reportedly discovered at the residence of a prison official.

Among the defendants are the former director, former deputy director Athina Demetriou, five prison staff members, and a former staff member who is now a police officer. Anna Aristotelous faces an additional charge regarding the alleged leak of classified documents during her tenure as director. The next hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, September 29.