Nicosia, Cyprus. Government spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis on Thursday dismissed calls led by Akel to reopen the investigation into the “spy van affair”, suggesting the party raised the matter to boost polling ahead of the parliamentary election.
Spokesman cites institutional independence and completed investigations
Letymbiotis referred to the electoral campaign, saying he expected tensions in the coming weeks and calling for consistency in public statements. He said political parties and politicians cannot demand respect for the independence of institutions while not respecting that independence through their interventions.
He said investigations into the matter had been carried out, noting they took place before the incumbent government came to power in 2023. He added that where there is evidence, indications, presumptions, or grounds for a new investigation, or if due process was not followed, this should be reported to competent bodies so they can follow procedures.
Letymbiotis said the government’s stance is “fixed” and its position “unwavering and … undiminished”. He said that if there is evidence of non-compliance with procedures or irregularities, it should be handed to competent authorities so they can initiate and carry out appropriate procedures.
Background on the “spy van affair” and renewed calls
The “spy van affair” involved revelations that a private company, WiSpear, was offering private surveillance services using technology installed in the back of a van.
WiSpear’s chief executive officer at the time, Tal Dilian, was initially arrested in Cyprus and later released, while the company was fined €76,000.
Calls for the matter to be investigated again were renewed this week after Greece’s prosecutor-general, Konstantinos Tzavellas, decided on Monday not to order the reopening of a case involving Dilian, following calls by opposition politicians for a fresh investigation in light of comments Dilian made to Reuters.
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