Nicosia, Cyprus. Former president Nicos Anastasiades will hold a press conference next week regarding the anti-corruption authority’s findings on its investigation into the book Mafia State. His political office said the news conference will take place on Tuesday, June 23, at 11am at the Journalists’ House in Nicosia.
Authority findings and response
Earlier this week, the anti-corruption authority released a lengthy statement saying Anastasiades, as well as others, may be criminally liable.
The report found that Anastasiades may have committed abuse of power while in office on several occasions. One possible abuse of power on his part was identified in relation to payments made between Focus Maritime and Rizokarpasso Shipping.
In response, Anastasiades issued a statement denying any wrongdoing and calling for an investigation “by the competent authorities”.
Report publication and legal debate
The anti-corruption authority summarised the findings of its probe in its statement but did not publish the report in full.
In the aftermath, public debate has focused on the extent of a former president’s immunity from prosecution.
The constitution devotes an entire article to the issue, but appears unclear on the circumstances under which a former president may be prosecuted, with its provisions subject to interpretation.
Paragraph 1 states that the president “shall not be liable to any criminal prosecution during his term of office” except under certain conditions.
