Nicosia, Cyprus. Cyprus’ authority against corruption is expected to announce new delays in delivering the final part of a report related to “Mafia State”, a book by investigative journalist Makarios Droushiotis. The report’s findings are expected to be made public after parliamentary elections.
Extension of deadline and expected timing
The deadline for presenting the findings of the probe, during which former president Nicos Anastasiades was investigated, has been extended by a further two months, according to Politis. Investigators have delivered four of the five parts of the findings so far, with the fifth part, described as the most important, expected to be ready by April 20.
Announcement on delays
Politis reported that the authority against corruption intends to make an announcement on Thursday, saying delays were due to health issues faced by two of the four investigators appointed two years ago.
Publication after elections and possible legal steps
Although the final version will probably be ready before the parliamentary elections, the findings will be made public after the vote, so it is not construed as an effort to alter the result. The findings are expected to include the main findings of the investigation and the authority’s suggestion regarding any criminal offences allegedly committed by Anastasiades, in which case the findings would be sent to the state Law Office for further investigation.
Potential conflict of interest in legal service
If the findings are sent to the legal service, attorney-general George Savvidens and deputy attorney-general Savvas Angelides should not be involved in the case, as they served as ministers in Anastasiades’ government and were appointed to their current posts by the former president.
Anastasiades’ response and related court case
Anastasiades has said he has already responded to the allegations made in “Mafia State” in his own book “The Sycophant”, referring to Droushiotis, whom he has sued for €2 million for defamation. The anti-corruption authority’s report is expected to be decisive regarding the outcome of the court case against Droushiotis.
Scope of the investigation
In the framework of the authority’s investigation, 129 individuals from Cyprus and abroad were called to testify, including former and incumbent officials, among them President Nikos Christodoulides.
How do you think the timing of the report’s publication could affect public understanding of its findings?