Nicosia, Cyprus. Opposition party Akel on Monday criticised the government over the appointment of independent investigators to examine the anti-corruption authority’s findings in its Mafia State report. The government rejected the allegations, accusing Akel of prejudging the outcome of the investigation and politicising the process.
Akel criticises appointment process
Akel said the government either did not realise or was pretending not to realise the seriousness of the situation surrounding its appointment of criminal investigators in relation to the anti-corruption authority’s findings and the Mafia State scandal.
The party referred to the recent resignation of Christos Mylonopoulos from the five-member panels of investigators, which it said followed backlash over a conflict of interest, and his replacement by Ilias Anagnostopoulos. Akel said the decision had not restored credibility but had instead worsened the crisis of confidence surrounding the process.
Responsibility attributed to the president
Akel said President Nikos Christodoulides bore full responsibility for the matter. It said that rather than ensuring a criminal investigation beyond doubt, the choices made had created further uncertainty and reinforced concerns that there was an attempt to cover up the anti-corruption authority’s findings, which it said centred on the president’s political mentor, Nikos Anastasiades.
Government rejects allegations
Responding to Akel’s statement, government spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis said the party’s allegations would publicly prejudge the outcome of an independent investigation and disparage individuals of recognised standing, creating what he described as unfair impressions based on insinuations.
He said those who invoked institutional credibility only when it served their political interests could not claim to uphold it.
Call to submit evidence to authorities
Letymbiotis accused Akel of trying to exploit a legal and institutional process for political reasons. He said the institutional order did not function through shouting, insinuations and preconceived conclusions, and added that if Akel had specific evidence, it should submit it to the relevant authorities for evaluation.
He said what could not be accepted was the transformation of a serious investigative process into a partisan arena for creating public impressions.
Government reiterates support for investigation
Letymbiotis said the government fully supported a comprehensive investigation without interference or compromises, describing this as a fundamental principle of a democracy that functions institutionally and not selectively.
