Dialogos

Decision on Adding Witnesses in Kiunzel Case on January 14th

Published January 7, 2026, 12:02
Decision on Adding Witnesses in Kiunzel Case on January 14th

The trial of German real estate agent Eva Isabella Kiunzel, accused of usurping Greek Cypriot properties in the occupied territories, continued at the Permanent Criminal Court of Nicosia. The Prosecution requested the addition of further witnesses, including a police officer who handled documents sent to the German authorities, arguing that this is necessary to present all substantial evidence and does not affect the rights of the defendant. Defense lawyer Sotiris Argyrou opposed the request, invoking the principle of 'equality of arms' and arguing that the addition of witnesses is being made without disclosing the substance of their testimony, but with vague references to a large volume of material that was delivered late to the defense. Mr. Argyrou also reported a violation of Article 16 of the Constitution and the Criminal Procedure Code, claiming that the investigation continued for a long period after the defendant's arrest, in order to cover gaps in the case retrospectively. The President of the Criminal Court, Nikolaos Georgiades, reserved his decision on the request to add witnesses for next Wednesday, January 14th, at 10:00 a.m. The defendant remains in custody on the same terms, while the defense lawyer reserved his rights regarding the detention.