30-06-2011
To Ms Elena Kleopa
Senior Counsel of the Republic
+357 22889110
Dear Ms Kleopa,
In our brief conversation on Monday you told me you were not the Law Officer in charge of the Pittadjis perjury case and that you had assigned this case to another but could not tell me who. You said to phone you the next day and you would inform me who is in charge of this case. I have been calling you since but no answer.
I hope you can let me know today if the Attorney General is taking action in this matter. The Republic is obligated to keep witnesses and victims of a crime updated and informed in criminal proceedings. I reported this serious offence to the police in November 2010. The file was concluded and put before you in December.
I would like to know if Mr Pittadjis was arrested? Was he charged? Was his offices searched for further evidence? What is my case number? When will this matter go before a court?
I have copied the British High Commissioner on this email and I urge Mr Matthew Kidd to intervene in this criminal matter brought before him.
I have enclosed my last correspondence for your convenience.
Yours Sincerely
Cornelius O’Dwyer
CC:
Mr Matthew Kidd – British High Commissioner, Nicosia.
Ms Zoe Woodward – Property Officer
Mr Petros Clerides – Attorney General of the Republic
Yiannos G. Georgiades – My Legal Representation in Cyprus
Ms Eliza Savvidou – The Commissioner of administration (Ombudsman)
Mr Neoklis Sylikiotis – Minister of Interior
Viviane Reding – Vice President, Commissioner for Justice
Denis O’Hare – Cyprus Property Action Group
Mr Petros Clerides Attorney General of the Republic Law Office of the Republic of Cyprus 1403 Nicosia Cyprus Τel.: +35722889115, Fax.: +35722665080 att.gen@law.gov.cy
28th April 2011
Honourable Sir,
Re: Perjury Case against Mr George Pittadjis
I am writing to request an update on a case brought before your office. Senior Counsel for the Republic Elena Kleopa is in charge of the case, however I understand that Polina Efthivoulou brought the matter to your personal attention in January.
On the 13th October 2010 Mr George Pittadjis gave false testimony at Larnaca District court, case number 1912/09 with Judge Mrs Stalo Tsivitanidou-Kizi presiding. Mr George Pittadjis clearly committed perjury in an attempt to pervert the course of justice. His false testimony influenced the outcome of the case. The outcome of this case was very important for not only my family but the property industry and the Republics reputation abroad. It concerns whether or not a contract in the land registry secures the buyers rights as the beneficial owner. The case is now set for appeal at the Supreme Court which is why it is vital that Mr George Pittadjis be brought before the courts as soon as possible.
I made my statement at the Police Headquarters on the 24th November 2010 to officer Mr. Nicos Kalassides. I understand other parties were interviewed and the file was handed over to your office before Christmas 2010.
I look forward to hearing from you soon regarding this matter.
Yours Sincerely
Cornelius O’Dwyer
CC:-
Elena Kleopa Senior Counsel of the Republic +357 22889110 ekleopas@law.gov.cy
Mr Matthew Kidd – High Commissioner: Ms Zoe Woodward – Property Officer British High Commission Alexander Pallis Street (PO Box 21978) 1587 Nicosia Cyprus Matthew.Kidd@fco.gov.uk Zoe.Woodward@fco.gov.uk
Αναφέρομαι στο πιο πάνω θέμα και περαιτέρω τηλεφωνικής μας επικοινωνίας σε ενημερώνω και γραπτώς τα πιο κάτω:
Μετά λύπης μου αναγκάζομε να καταγγείλω ένα περιστατικό που δεν τιμά την χώρα μας, σε σχέση με τον πελάτη μου κον Conrelius O’Dwyer και την συμπεριφορά των αστυνομικών με αρ.963, 2961, 5270 και 273 καθώς επίσης και άλλων αστυνομικών που συμμετείχαν στο πιο πάνω περιστατικό, τα στοιχεία των οποίων δεν έχω τώρα στην κατοχή μου.
Ο πελάτης μου μετά την απόφαση σας να αναστείλετε την ποινική δίωξη εναντίον του στην υπόθεση του Δικαστηρίου Παραλιμνίου με αριθμό 793/2010, έμεινε απόλυτος ικανοποιημένος με την Κυπριακή Δημοκρατία και αποφάσισε να επικεντρώσει τις διαμαρτυρίες του εναντίον της Εταιρείας από την οποία αγόρασε το σπίτι του και αυτών που καταδικάστηκαν για τον ξυλοδαρμό του, δηλαδή τους κ.κ. Μάριο και Χριστόφορο Καραγιαννά.
Χτες διεξάχθηκε ειρηνική διαμαρτυρία έξω από το γραφείο της Εταιρείας Καραγιαννάς, μετά που ενημερώθηκε σχετικά το Αρχηγείο Αστυνομίας και ο Αστυνομικός Διευθυντής της περιοχής και το θέμα καλύφθηκε από τον γνωστό σταθμό ITV. (Επισυνάπτω σχετική επιστολή που έχει σταλεί στο Αρχηγείο). Κατά την διάρκεια της διαμαρτυρίας μια ομάδα αστυνομικών προσήλθε στον χώρο και προσπάθησε να μετακινήσει τον πελάτη μου, χωρίς επιτυχία.
Η συμπεριφορά των αστυνομικών σύμφωνα με τους παρευρισκομένους, δεν ήταν πρέπουσα και όλα είχαν βιντεογραφηθεί από τον εν λόγω σταθμό.
Σημειώστε ότι ο πελάτης μου απλά στεκόταν με την σύζυγο του με ένα πανό που έγγραφε πάνω “Karayiannas are criminals”, τίποτα άλλο δεν έκανε.
Οι αστυνομικοί του είπαν ότι διαπράττει αδίκημα χωρίς να τον ενημερώσουν για ποιο αδίκημα μιλούν. Αυτός τους ανέφερε ότι οι Καραγιαννάδες είναι πράγματι εγκληματίες επειδή καταδικάστηκαν από το Δικαστήριο για τον ξυλοδαρμό του, αλλά οι αστυνομικοί επέμεναν ότι οι Καραγιαννάδες δεν είχαν καταδικαστεί.
Σήμερα όταν πήγε στο Δικαστήριο Παραλιμνίου με την σύζυγο του, για να ανασταλεί η υπόθεση με αρ.793/2010 μαζεύτηκαν αρκετοί αστυνομικοί, οι οποίοι τον απόκλεισαν από το να φύγει από τον χώρο του Δικαστηρίου, δεν τον παρουσίασαν ένταλμα σύλληψης και όταν προσπάθησε να βγει από το κτήριο, ενώ μου μιλούσε στο τηλέφωνο, άρχισαν να του φωνάζουν, να τον σπρώχνουν και τον έβαλαν στο κελί, χωρίς να τον πληροφορήσουν για λόγους που του στέρησαν την ελευθερία του.
Όταν μίλησα με τον αστυνομικό 963 πριν τον οδηγήσαν στο κελί, μου είπε ότι δεν είχαν εκείνη την ώρα ένταλμα σύλληψης, αλλά τον κρατούν μέχρι να εκδώσουν το ένταλμα.
Είναι λυπηρό ένας ξένος που ήρθε στην χώρα μας για να επενδύσει και του οποίου κατακράτησαν τα λεφτά χωρίς να του δώσουν το σπίτι που αγόρασε, τον κτύπησαν δύο φορές να δέχεται τέτοιου είδους αντιμετώπιση από τους αστυνομικούς της περιοχής στο Παραλίμνι.
Σημείωστε ότι όταν έκανε ανάλογη διαμαρτυρία 2 φορές έξω από το Προεδρικό Μέγαρο, η συμπεριφορά των αστυνομικών ήταν άψογη, κάτι που αναγνώρισε ο πελάτης μου και είχε και σχετική δήλωση στα μέσα μαζικής επικοινωνίας.
Με συναδελφικούς χαιρετισμούς,
Γιάννος Γ. Γεωργιάδης
Δικηγόρος & Νομικός Σύμβουλος
ATTORNEY General, Petros Clerides, has decided to stay criminal proceedings against Conor O’Dwyer. In a three line letter to Yiannos G. Georgiades, Conor O’Dwyer’s lawyer, Clerides said simply:
“I refer to the above case (793/2010) and inform you that I have decided to suspend the prosecution against your client Cornelius Desmond O’Dwyer.”
The case against Conor O’Dwyer was filed by the Paralimni Police Chief last October and was in connection with him uploading material to the Internet relating to his dispute with property developer Christoforos Karayiannas & Son Ltd. The case raised significant issues concerning freedom of speech online in Cyprus.
Conor and his wife Michaela are currently in Cyprus filming with a crew from the national ITV network for their prime-time series “Homes From Hell” due to be transmitted later this year.
I Cornelius Desmond O’Dwyer, holder of British Passport number XXXXXXXXX, of XXXXX XXXX, Surrey, KT23 XXX make this statement in support of my claim against advocate Mr George F Pittadjis for perjury and other crimes. This statement is true to the best of my knowledge and belief.
On or about the 9/3/2006 I was sent a letter from and signed by Mr George Pittadjis of George F. Pittadjis Law Firm AY Georgioy 7, TT 5280, Paralimni in which he states “I am instructed by my clients CHRISTOFOROS KARAYIANNAS & SON LTD”. (Copy attached #1)
On or about 17/5/2007 my then lawyer Ms Helena Andreou of Antonis Andreou & Co sent the occupant of my house Michelle McDonald a letter stating she must vacate our house within 21 days. (Copy attached #2)
In response to this letter Mr George Pittadjis wrote to Ms Helena Andreou stating “I am writing to you in answer to your letter to my client Michelle McDonald”. (Copy attached #3)
I together with my wife Mrs Michaela Margaret O’Dwyer am proceeding with a Private Criminal Prosecution against Christoforos Karayiannas and Son Ltd, Mr Christoforos Karayiannas, Mr Marios Karayiannas and Ms Michelle McDonald for fraudulent dealings in immovable property belonging to another under section 303a of the Penal code. The case is number 1912/09 at Larnaca District court with Judge Mrs Stalo Tsivitanidou-Kizi presiding. (Copy of 303a Penal code attached #4).
On the 13th October 2010 Mr George Pittadjis under subpoena to appear in the above case was administered the oath by Mr Efthimios Florentzou of Neophytou & Flourentzou LLC the lawyer for all defendants. At no point during the administration of oath did Mr Pittadjis refuse or object to taking the oath. On previous court dates Mr George Pittadjis had raised objection to being cross examined in an attempt to avoid incriminating himself in the case. However a ruling by the judge was given and my lawyer Mr Yiannos Georgiades of Georgiades & Mylonas began and finished cross examination on that day 13th October 2010. (Copy court transcript attached #5)
In the above transcript Mr George Pittadjis states he was not involved in the drawing up of the contract between the defendants. He goes on to say he does not know the lady Ms Michelle McDonald who stood a few feet away from him in the dock. He comments that he had asked her “Who are you?” when they met for the court. Had Mr George Pittadjis admitted representing either of the defendants he would have incriminated himself in the offence where any person who, with intent to defraud, deals in immovable property belonging to another is guilty of a felony and is liable to imprisonment for seven years. Subsection 2c of the 303a penal code states a person shall be deemed to be dealing in immovable property where [that person] concludes an agreement for the sale to another.
Mr George Pittadjis has clearly committed perjury in an attempt to pervert the course of justice. His false testimony will have a serious negative affect on the case where all defendants have refused, as is their right, to either take the stand or give a statement to the court. By documents attached to this statement I have shown that Mr George Pittadjis represented Christoforos Karayiannas and Son Ltd at the time of their offence and also that his client Ms Michelle McDonald bought my house “in good faith and after she was told that a previous contract had been cancelled”. Had Mr George Pittadjis admitted such on stand my case against the defendants would be stronger and Mr George Pittadjis would have been incriminated in the said offence.
I believe that the facts stated in this witness statement are true.
APPEARANCES
For the Prosecution: Mr. Yiannos Georgiades with Mr. Savvides
For the Defendants: Mr. Flourentzou with Mr. Vasilakka
Defendants 2, 3, 4 presents
Mr. Georgiades:
I’ll cross-examine Mr. Pittatzis…………………………………………………………..
Mr. Flourentzou:
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Court:
…………………………………the witness shall be subject to cross-examination
D.W.- George Pittatzis swears and says:
Q. Are you aware whether any document was prepared between Mrs Michelle McDonald and defendants 1 and 2 as regards the sale of a house purchased by the complainant?
A. No, I don’t know
Q. Have you advised the Defendants 1 and 2 in respect of the sale of the house of the complainant to third parties? Did you represent Defendant 2 or Mr Mario Karayiannas in relation to any sale of the immovable property bought by the complainant to the 4th Defendant?
A. As to whether I have provided advices and what kind of legal advices I have provided to my clients, I believe it is forbidden by law to say and it is considered as a disciplinary offence.
Q. Have you represented during 2006 Mrs Michelle McDonald in respect of the purchase of the house of the complainant? Do you know the lady over there? (shows the 4th Defendant).
A. I know her but not so well. When I saw her at the Court, they have introduced her to me. We have never met before and when I saw her in Court I asked her who she was.
Q. And you are not her lawyer?
A. No.
Q. Have you represented at any time during 2006 Mrs Michelle McDonald for the purchase of the house of the complainant?
A. Tell me specifically when in order for me to be able to reply. When during 2006?
Q. You said you are not the 4th Defendants lawyer.
A. I have been informed that the 4th Defendant had contacted my son Photos Pittadjis concerning some matters, but I believe my son made his own office at the beginning of 2006 and I am not sure if during the time period the advocate refers to and does not specify, Photos Pittadjis saw the 4th Defendant. I was informed that the 4th Defendant saw Photos Pittadjis at some point for some matters.
Q. Nothing else.
RE-EXAMINATION None.
…………………………………………………………………….
Court:
The case is fixed for closing speeches on 26.11.10, at 10:00am. The Defendants tmust be present under the same conditions.
The Registrar Office to arrange for an interpreter.
(Sign.) . ………………………………………
St. Tsividanidou – Kizi, D.J.
Θέμα: ΚΑΚΟΠΟΙΗΣΗ ΤΟΥ CORNELIUS DESMOND O’DWYER/ Γ.Ε. 93/1984/123 & Γ.Ε.9/52/427.
Αναφέρομαι στο πιο πάνω θέμα και περαιτέρω προηγούμενης μας αλληλογραφίας σας ενημερώνω ότι τα θέματα που εγέρθηκαν μεταξύ ενός απλού αγοραστή και ενός Υπεύθυνου ανάπτυξης γης (developer), έχουν πάρει σοβαρές διαστάσεις, τύπου χιονοστιβάδας, κατά τρόπο που έχουν αρνητικό αντίκτυπο για το καλό όνομα της Κύπρου.
Λόγω του ότι δεν επιλύονται οι διαφορές σε σχέση με την οικία που είχε αγοράσει ο πελάτης μας, επέλεξε να εκφράσει τη διαμαρτυρία του μέσω ιστοσελίδας όπου δημοσίευσε το πρόβλημα του. Επίσης είχε προβεί σε άλλες διαμαρτυρίες κατά τη διάρκεια εκθέσεων που έγιναν στο Λονδίνο και αφορούσαν επενδύσεις σε ακίνητη περιουσία στην Κύπρο.
Περαιτέρω σας ενημερώνουμε ότι κατά τη διάρκεια της επικείμενης επίσκεψης του Προέδρου της Δημοκρατίας στο Λονδίνο στις 18/5/2008, ο πελάτης μας προτίθεται να κάνει και άλλη διαμαρτυρία.
Λόγω της σοβαρότητας του θέματος πιστεύω ότι χρήζει άμεσης αντιμετώπισης και λήψης παραδειγματικών μέτρων έτσι ώστε να αποτραπούν άτομα που ασχολούνται με τέτοιου είδους επιχειρήσεις από το προβαίνουν σε πράξεις οι οποίες να επηρεάζουν τα δικαιώματα αγοραστών ακίνητης περιουσίας στην Κύπρο.
Η συμπεριφορά αυτών των ατόμων αποτελεί πληγή στην οικονομία και επηρεάζει τα συμφέροντα ατόμων που έχουν παρόμοιου είδους επιχειρήσεις καθώς επίσης αποτελεί και σοβαρό πλήγμα σε βάρος της οικονομίας της χώρας μας και ευρύτερα των Κυπριακών συμφερόντων από τέτοιου είδους συμπεριφορές.
Παρακαλώ όπως λάβετε όλα τα αναγκαία μέτρα για την αντιμετώπιση του προβλήματος.
Με τιμή,
Γεωργιάδης & Μυλωνάς
Δικηγόροι & Νομικοί Σύμβουλοι
Κοινοποίηση:
1. Υπουργό Εμπορίου, Βιομηχανίας & Τουρισμού
2. Υπουργό Δικαιοσύνης και Δημοσίας Τάξης
3. Υπουργό Οικονομικών
4. Πρόεδρο Νομικών της Βουλής
Your ref.: Our ref.: O.9-146/2007
Date: 23 January 2008
The Honourable Attorney General
Attorney General’s Office
Nicosia
“By fax and by hand”
Dear Attorney General,
Re: ASSAULT OF CORNELIUS DESMOND O’DWYER – G.E. 93/1984/123 + G.E. 9/52/427
I hereby refer to the above matter and, further to our previous correspondence, our client has once again been assaulted by Messrs. Karayiannas.
The matter has taken on very serious dimensions, and is having a snowball effect due the reactions of various organised groups, both in Cyprus as well as abroad, in such a manner that it is having a negative effect on Cyprus’ good name.
I wish to remind you that the assault of my client is connected to the purchase of a property which he himself made from Messrs. Karayiannas, with the aim of him and his family settling on our island.
Furthermore, charges have been brought before you with regard to the sale of the above property by Messrs. Karayiannas to a third party, in breach of Article 303 (A) of the Penal Code, according to which, when someone negotiates the sale of a property that belongs to another person, this constitutes a crime and it is also punishable by up to 7 years’ imprisonment. According to our file, this case is being dealt with by Mrs Paulina Evthyvoulou from your office.
To his surprise, on 21/1/2008, my client received a telephone call on his mobile from Police Officer Thanasis, from the Paralimni C.I.D., who informed him that there is no pending criminal case against Messrs. Karayiannas with regard to this matter. The aforesaid Police Officer mentioned to my client that he had been instructed to call and notify him by his Superior Officer, Mr Kapnoullas.
I believe that this matter as a whole is very serious and all necessary drastic measures should be taken against all those who have committed crimes in the relation to the purchase of the aforesaid property and the assault on the aforesaid Buyer (my client) so that no false impressions are given abroad, particularly in England, a market upon which we rely both for our tourism as well as for the sale of property.
I think that it is important for us to arrange a meeting together immediately so that I can explain to you the seriousness of the matter in more detail and to what extent there have been reactions abroad. I am willing to provide any assistance so that this matter may be regarded as an isolated incident so that faith will be restored in our island with regard to the proper administration of justice and the fact that it is safe for someone to buy a property in Cyprus.
Yours faithfully,
Yiannos G. Georgiades
Advocate & Legal Consultant
Cc:
Minister of Trade / Industry & Tourism
Mr Antonis Michaelides
Minister of Internal Affairs
Mr Christos Patsalides
Minister of Justice & Public Order Mr Sophocles Sophocleous
Your Ref. Our. Ref. Ο.9-146/2007 Date: 1 November 2007
Attorney General of the Republic Legal Services Office 1, Apellis Str, Nicosia
Honourable Sir,
RE: Criminal case no.572/2007 / Famagusta Police Constable v 1. Christoforos Karayiannas 2 Marios Karayiannas
We refer to the above matter and further wish to inform you as follows:
We are acting on behalf of our client Cornelius Desmond O’ Dwyer, the complainer in the above mentioned case, which was fixed for hearing before Famagusta’s District Court at Paralimni on the 30/10/2007.
The relevant witness summons, for our client to attend for examination, was served via his lawyers who were representing him until to date. Our client informed our office the week before the 30/10/2007 requesting that we ascertain from the Court as to whether the hearing of the relevant case was to begin in order that the necessary arrangements to fly from England could be made.
We communicated with the prosecuting officer handling the case, who informed us that she was going to apply for the case to be adjourned because she had another case before the same Court in which she had to examine a number of witnesses which had antecedence.
The prosecuting officer informed us that there was no need for the said witness to attend before the Court and further requested that we inform her of the dates that our client could be in Cyprus in order for the date to be fixed for hearing at that day. We informed her that our client is always prepared and willing to attend the Court at any time.
Accordingly we informed our client, who was already prepared and willing to attend the Court, not to come in Cyprus in order to avoid any unnecessary discomfort. We further asked form the prosecuting officer to inform us regarding the new date of the case.
However, yesterday we were notified by the prosecuting officer that one of your officers had filed a nolle prosequi (i.e informed the Court that the Crown intends that the proceedings shall not be continued) without giving us any proper explanation.
It is our client’s position that there isn’t any reason for a nolle prosequi to be filed and he intensely feels the need to attend the Court to give evidence as a witness.
Therefore, please inform us for the reasons this case was suspended and further proceed with the necessary proceedings in order to file a new criminal case against the abovementioned accused and inform us properly so as to arrange for the presence of our client at the hearing of the case.
