Limassol, Cyprus. The criminal investigation file concerning Disy MP Nikos Sykas has been forwarded to the legal service, while the Limassol parliamentarian prepares to file a civil lawsuit against his party over his exclusion from the election ballot, according to local media reports on Monday.
Complaint and investigation
The case stems from a complaint filed by Sykas’ partner over an alleged incident of violence that took place in Athens on New Year’s Eve. Although the complainant later withdrew her allegation through a sworn statement, police continued the investigation, citing their obligation to pursue suspected domestic violence cases regardless of withdrawal.
Evidence gathered in Athens
Investigators from the Limassol police family violence unit are reported to have recently travelled to Athens, where they took statements from individuals identified by both sides as having knowledge of the incident. The case file includes witness statements, photographic evidence, medical certificates and forensic reports.
Alleged offences and next steps
Sykas is being investigated for offences including physical and psychological violence as well as assault causing actual bodily harm. Following the completion of the investigative stage, the file was sent last week to the legal service, which will study the material and decide on whether to proceed with criminal charges.
Immunity lifted and response
After the supreme court unanimously lifted his parliamentary immunity earlier this month, Sykas gave a lengthy statement to investigators at the Limassol criminal court, accompanied by his lawyer Christos Pourgourides. He denied striking or threatening his partner and rejected the allegations in their entirety.
Disy ballot decision
Disy decided last month to remove him from the party’s ballot for the May parliamentary elections, citing its zero-tolerance stance on violence against women.
What do you think the legal service should consider when deciding whether to proceed with criminal charges?
