Limassol, Cyprus. Disy MP Nikos Sykas’ appeal against his removal from the party’s ballot paper will be heard next week, following a Limassol district court decision last month rejecting his initial attempt to block his exclusion.
Allegation and investigation
Sykas, who has represented the Limassol district since 2021, was removed from Disy’s list after his partner accused him of physically abusing her during a holiday in Greece on New Year’s Eve. Although the complaint was later withdrawn, the supreme court unanimously lifted Sykas’ immunity, allowing police to continue their investigation.
Legal argument against removal
After he was removed from the party’s list, his lawyer Christos Pourgourides said the decision breached basic principles of justice and was taken without first hearing his client.
Party leadership response
Party leader and House President Annita Demetriou said Disy has “no tolerance for any allegations of violence” and that “our principles are non-negotiable” in justifying the decision to remove him from the ballot.
Limassol branch defends Sykas
Disy’s Limassol branch defended Sykas, while acknowledging political considerations behind the central party’s decision. It warned against attempts by “organised groups and individuals” to exploit the case to harm the party.
“Respecting the principle that every person is innocent until proven guilty; we refuse to participate in any attempt to undermine his dignity and that of his family,” it said.
District court ruling
Sykas challenged the decision at the Limassol district court, which found the matter is for the party to decide and not for the courts.
“In conclusion and with regard to the procedure to be followed in such a case, even if an issue of ambiguity arises, it is left to the party itself to resolve it and not to the court. In short, there is no demonstration … of even a clear violation of the provisions of the party’s statute,” the decision said.
The ruling also stated that even if the court had found there would be “irreparable harm” caused to Sykas by his removal from the party’s list, “the balance of convenience had to be examined”.
What do you think the appeal court will consider most important in deciding whether to intervene in Disy’s ballot decision?
