Protest in Nicosia calls for resignation of attorney-general and deputy after anti-corruption findings

Nicosia, Cyprus. Hundreds of demonstrators gathered outside the legal service’s office in Nicosia on Monday evening to demand the resignation of attorney-general George Savvides and his deputy Savvas Angelides following the publication of anti-corruption authority findings linked to allegations in Makarios Drousiotis’ book Mafia State. The protest took place as the legal service confirmed it had received the authority’s report and supporting evidence.

Demonstration outside legal service

The demonstration was organised by Akel and Volt. Protesters carried banners reading “Against the system of corruption and cover-ups” and “The fish stinks from the head. Zero tolerance for corruption and collusion.”

Case transferred to prosecutor’s office

Following the recusal of both Savvides and Angelides from the investigation, responsibility for evaluating the case was transferred to the prosecutor’s office, which will determine the next steps.

Stefanou addresses protesters

Addressing the gathering, Akel secretary general Stefanos Stefanou said the findings represented an opportunity to confront what he described as a wider system of corruption and concealment.

“Now is the historic moment,” Stefanou told supporters.

“The findings reveal not only a system of corruption but also a system of cover-ups.”

Reference to Anastasiades administration

Stefanou said corruption and conflicts of interest had become embedded during the administration of former president Nicos Anastasiades, citing the now-defunct citizenship by investment scheme and other controversies that have come under scrutiny in recent years.

He also renewed calls for the resignation of both legal officers, saying their previous roles under Anastasiades created a conflict of interest.

“Everything begins and ends at the attorney-general’s office,” he said.