Cyprus Court of Appeal upholds doctor's conviction for illegal sale of medical valve

The Cyprus Court of Appeal has upheld the convictions of a doctor from Nicosia General Hospital and his wife for charges related to the illegal sale of a medical valve. The doctor had demanded €1,500 from the relatives of a patient for a valve that should have been provided free of charge. The transaction occurred in a hospital parking area via a cash payment without a receipt. The trial court rejected the doctor's defense, which claimed the valve was an emergency backup, citing a lack of evidence for its existence or official hospital approval. The defendants' spouse was also convicted of money laundering regarding her role in the transaction. During the appeal, the couple argued that their right to a fair trial had been violated due to alleged bias, procedural wording, and limited preparation time. The Court of Appeal reviewed these claims against domestic law and European Court of Human Rights standards, concluding that the trial remained fair. While the convictions were upheld, the court decided to reduce the prison sentences for both individuals.