Karahan-Tatty trial: Adjournment due to absence of three police witnesses
The Nicosia District Court did not begin the hearing procedure due to the absence of prosecution witnesses. The case was scheduled for 16 November 2026.
Absence of police witnesses again delays Karahan-Tatty trial
Three police officers listed as prosecution witnesses 3, 4 and 5 failed to appear at the Nicosia District Court, resulting in the hearing procedure in the case against Öz Karahan and Yiorgos Tatty not commencing today. The fact was confirmed by the defence counsel for the two defendants, Eustathios K. Eustathiou, according to a report by Philenews.
Mr Eustathiou stressed that the witnesses failed to appear without any explanation being provided by the Prosecution Authority. He characterised the situation as concerning, speaking of repeated adjournments in a case that began in 2024.
The counsel also reported that a request was submitted to the Attorney General a year ago for suspension of criminal proceedings, which remains unanswered. "For a year and a half my clients have been dragged through the courts," he stated, adding that "their offence is not violence or incitement to hatred, but the posting of a banner and the public expression of a political position". Mr Eustathiou raised issues of freedom of expression.
In a joint statement, the two defendants expressed "serious concern" about the continuing adjournment. "Although the Court summoned the prosecution witnesses, who are apparently the police officers who arrested us, nevertheless no one came," they stated. They questioned why they should have to adjust their schedule based on scheduled trials, whilst those who refer them for trial are absent without consequences, speaking of a breach of rights.
It is recalled that the two defendants were arrested during the military parade on 1 October 2024, when they attempted to post a banner opposite the official stand on Yiossif Hatziiosif Avenue in Nicosia.
The case was rescheduled for 16 November 2026 at 10:30, before the Nicosia District Court. The proceedings are being handled by Judge Adriana Joan Solomonidi, whilst the Prosecution Authority is represented by Stala Hatzikonstanti.
Source: Philenews