Court to issue verdict in TV boss murder trial on Thursday

The Nicosia Criminal Court will issue its verdict on Thursday in the trial for the murder of former Sigma TV boss Andis Hadjicostis.

The four defendants, former television presenter Elena Skordelli, her brother Tasos Krasopoulis, Andreas Gregoriou, and Gregoris Xenofontos, face charges of premeditated murder, which carries a mandatory life sentence if proven.

Hadjicostis, 41, was gunned down outside his Engomi home in January, 2010.

The gunman shot him twice at point blank range using a sawn-off shotgun.

The prosecution’s case rests on the premise that the four defendants conspired, planned and carried out Hadjicostis’ assassination.

Its case is based on the confession of a former suspect, Fanos Hadjigeorgiou, who has been put in the witness protection programme.

The murder was allegedly masterminded by Skordelli, said to have been seeking a controlling interest in Sigma, something which the victim opposed.

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