Cyprus's Legal Service is looking closely at a recent court decision. Two important former officials, Demetris Syllouris and Christakis Giovannis, were found not guilty. This happened in a case about the country's old citizenship-by-investment program. The court decided by a 2-1 vote. Now, legal experts are thinking about what to do next. A decision about more legal steps is expected soon.
This case was very important. It was about an investigation by Al Jazeera in 2020. The investigation showed how some important people might have helped someone get Cypriot citizenship. This person was said to be linked to illegal activities. Charges were brought against Syllouris and Giovannis in 2022. They were accused of corruption in the "golden passports" system.
The court's decision said the prosecution did not prove the charges. The main judge said the video from Al Jazeera was not shown to the court. The court only used information given during the trial. Reports say the prosecution had problems. Some key witnesses were missing. The evidence was not strong enough.
This court case ends the criminal process from the Al Jazeera report. That report also led to the end of the citizenship program. The program had hurt Cyprus's image. These acquittals make the situation more complex.
A legal expert called the acquittals "very negative." The Volt political party also shared worries. They called it an "institutional failure." They want the Attorney General and his deputy to resign.
The Legal Service confirmed they are studying the court's decision carefully. They said, "We will study both decisions. We will make our choices in the next few days." They will decide what to do next. The future actions are not yet known. However, they will look at all legal options. This decision is still being discussed. It raises questions about who is responsible.