The peculiarities of the already unprecedented premeditated murder case of 31-year-old Angelos Perikleous appear inexhaustible, with the main accused now representing himself in proceedings characterised as unique in Cyprus judicial history.
The 27-year-old accused, Joshua Polloso Epifaniou, widely known by the nickname “hacker“, undertook his own defence after two lawyers resigned, creating new circumstances in the hearing procedure.
Events at the hearing the day before yesterday were indicative, during which the 27-year-old continued cross-examining prosecution witness Savvas Kyriakides, a Nicosia CID member. The procedure saw small tensions and objections from the prosecution.
Epiphaniou, whilst cross-examining the officer, requested the showing of CCTV footage displaying a specific Mercedes sports car. Through his questions and submissions, the accused was evidently attempting to dispute prosecution positions about the vehicle in question and its identification from CCTV.
However, what stood out were the continuous interventions from the bench and prosecution. The 27-year-old addressed the police member in a manner deemed unacceptable, whilst displeasure was caused by his manner. Criminal Court president Nikolas Georgiades made recommendations.
At one point, whilst the accused was instructing the Nicosia CID member how to display a frame of footage via computer, Georgiades intervened: “Please don’t make suggestions to the witness. If a mistake is made, point it out, but don’t make suggestions.”
Repeated recommendations in a strict tone from the bench head were made about the witness and the line he followed with his questions, causing unnecessary delays. At one point, Georgiades explained with a strong manner that there was no need to keep making submissions about an image that was displayed and visible to all on the screen in the courtroom.
Objections and interventions also came from prosecution representative Christia Kythreotou.
Epiphaniou is charged with the premeditated murder of Angelos Perikleous. The 27-year-old’s mother faces charges of accessory after the commission of the murder and is free on conditions.
The 73-year-old Ch.G., uncle of the main accused, admitted charges for participation in the destruction of evidence after the murder.
Traces of 31-year-old Angelos Perikleous were lost on the evening of 19 April 2023. The next day the vehicle he was driving was found burnt, but he himself was not found.