Nicosia, Cyprus. Allegations of intimidation within Cyprus’ public broadcaster CyBC were raised in the House on Thursday during a committee examination of claims involving the board and director-general Elmos Neocleous.
Complaint presented to House committee
The complaint was submitted to the House interior committee by the union Sidikek-Peo through its representative Christodoulos Christodoulou, who described the alleged conduct as “disgraceful”.
Christodoulou told MPs that a CyBC official attempted to influence a board member to reverse a decision related to making Neocleous permanent. He said the attempt failed and that the board proceeded to dismiss Neocleous.
“This is not a rumour,” Christodoulou said. “A formal complaint of intimidation has been filed before the board of directors. The question is what the board will do about it.”
Board decision and internal tensions
The allegations emerged as the committee discussed a board decision taken earlier this week to revoke its previous resolution to terminate Neocleous’ employment and instead confirm him as a permanent employee.
The reversal followed months of internal conflict, disciplinary proceedings and union protests that have highlighted divisions within the semi-state broadcaster.
Claims of selective leaks and labour strain
Christodoulou accused unnamed individuals within CyBC of shaping narratives through selective leaks.
“One-sided information is being channelled outwards, creating impressions that do not correspond to reality,” he said.
He also warned that labour relations were nearing breaking point.
What steps do you think the CyBC board should take in response to the intimidation complaint?