Court of Appeal orders retrial for Metropolitan Neophytos of Morphou

The Cyprus Court of Appeal has quashed the 2023 acquittal of the Metropolitan of Morphou, Neophytos, and ordered a retrial before a different judge. The case concerns events from January 2021, when the Bishop was charged with four offenses related to the breach of COVID-19 quarantine laws and inciting others to commit criminal acts. Prosecutors alleged that he encouraged worshippers to violate restrictions on public gatherings of more than two people during services at the churches of Saint Seraphim of Sarov and Saint Marina, specifically concerning the blessing of the waters at the Karkotis River. The initial court had acquitted the Bishop, ruling that his actions constituted protected religious worship. However, the Appeal Court judges accepted the Attorney General's appeal, noting errors in the original assessment of evidence and finding that the case involves serious matters of public health. The defense team, led by Nikos Clerides, argued that a retrial five years after the events would be abusive, but the court rejected this, stating that the interests of justice require the case to be heard again. The retrial is expected to take place at the Nicosia District Court as soon as possible.