Nicosia, Cyprus. Cyprus’ Supreme Court on Tuesday annulled the search warrant executed against lawyer Nikos Clerides in connection with the Sandy case, ruling that the warrant covering his home, office and vehicles could not stand. The decision clears the way for the return of all material seized during the operation.
Application challenged warrant legality
The decision followed an application by Clerides, represented by lawyers Christos, Alexandros and Konstantinos Clerides, challenging the legality of the warrant issued during the police investigation into allegations publicised through journalist Makarios Drousiotis.
The Supreme Court had previously granted leave for the application to proceed after finding merit in six of the eight grounds raised by the applicant.
Concerns over evidence and privilege
Among the issues identified were the absence of sufficient testimony supporting the warrant application and concerns surrounding legal professional privilege and the protection of confidential communications.
During proceedings, the attorney-general’s office did not oppose the application, effectively accepting deficiencies in the process followed by investigators and allowing the warrant’s annulment to proceed.
Return of seized material
The ruling means all material seized under the warrant must be returned, while any evidence or testimony obtained as a result of the searches is considered inadmissible.
Response from defence
Speaking after the judgment, Alexandros Clerides described the decision as the start of a broader effort to restore the rights of his client and his legal practice.
“Today is the beginning of the process of restoring the rights of Mr Nikos Clerides and his office,” he said.
He said fundamental rights had been violated through the execution of the warrant and that further action would be pursued.
“The most essential rights of Mr Clerides as a human being and as a lawyer were violated,” he said.