Limassol, Cyprus. Disy’s Limassol branch defended the presumption of innocence for MP Nikos Sykas after he was excluded from the party’s election ballot over an allegation of domestic violence. The branch said violence is condemned “unequivocally, without exceptions,” while stressing that judgment rests with the justice system.
Limassol branch statement
In a statement issued on Thursday, the branch said decisions on guilt should be made by the courts rather than public opinion, which it described as “the court of public opinion.” It said that, while it understood the political considerations behind the political bureau’s decision to omit Sykas from the ballot, it warned against “organised groups and individuals” seeking to exploit the case to harm the party.
The branch said it would not participate in any attempt to undermine Sykas’ dignity or that of his family, citing the principle that every person is innocent until proven guilty. It also commended Sykas’ work for the local community.
Potential appeal and legal arguments
The statement came as Sykas prepared a possible appeal to the supreme court challenging his removal from the ballot. His lawyer, Christos Pourgourides, said the decision breached basic principles of justice, arguing it was taken without first hearing his client and amounted to a political misuse of the court’s ruling to lift parliamentary immunity.
Party leadership position
Disy’s leadership has said its decision reflects a zero-tolerance stance on violence against women while formally respecting the presumption of innocence. Party leader and House president Annita Demetriou said that “violence of any kind is incompatible” with Disy’s values and described the move as a matter of principle rather than guilt.
Background to the case
The case stems from an allegation made by Sykas’ partner regarding an incident in Greece over the New Year period. Although the complaint was later withdrawn, the Supreme Court unanimously lifted Sykas’ immunity, allowing police to continue their investigation.
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