Murder plot case adjourned until Monday

THE NICOSIA District Court yesterday postponed until Monday its decision to refer seven suspects to direct trial in the Assize Court for their alleged involvement in a conspiracy to kill seven men involved in the Nicosia betting shop business.

The accused, George Christodoulou Zavrandonas, Spiros Stylianou, Charalambos Demetriades, Andreas Stylianou, Andreas Christodoulou as well as two Bulgarian men, were read out a total of 31 charges and asked if they understood them. The charges include conspiracy to commit murder, illegal possession of firearms, explosives and drugs, as well was securing an income from illegal activities,

Zavrandonas is a former convict who was jailed for manslaughter and Stylianou is a Drug Law Enforcement Unit officer.

The seven men’s defence lawyers asked for a postponement on the grounds that they had only just been given the evidence against their clients by the prosecution and needed some time to go over it. The court agreed to reconvene on the matter at noon on Monday.

Reports said the case is expected to involve 95 witnesses including the seven prospective murder victims, one of who is thought to be Nicosia betting shop owner Andreas Rodotheou as well his co-owners.

The motive behind the alleged murder conspiracy is said to be financial because of Rodotheou’s involvement in online gambling which seems to have affected “the large financial interests” of third parties.

An arrest warrant is still pending for 32-year-old Alexis Mavromichalis, also known as ‘Alexoui’, who is wanted for questioning in connection with the case.

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