Nicosia, Cyprus. Lawyers Yiannis Ioannou and Simos Angelides have called for the full publication of independent criminal investigator Andreas Paschalides’ Videogate report, saying his second public statement materially changed the understanding created by his original announcement.
Speaking to the Cyprus News Agency on Friday, both lawyers said Paschalides’ clarification, issued the previous day, differed significantly from his initial statement, which many had interpreted as clearing those involved before he confirmed that he had recommended criminal prosecutions.
Conflicting interpretations
Ioannou said the differing interpretations demonstrated a lack of clarity surrounding the findings.
“It is amazing that different interpretations have been given by lawyers, journalists and politicians,” he said.
“The reality is that everyone has been confused.”
He said Paschalides’ latest statement, confirming that he had recommended prosecutions under anti-corruption legislation, contrasted with the impression created by the original announcement.
Evidence and agreement
Ioannou called for the publication of the complete audiovisual material and the agreement reached between the legal service and private intelligence firm Black Cube after immunity was granted to the company’s representatives.
He said editing footage should not automatically be equated with forgery.
“If stitching was done, it does not necessarily mean that the end product is itself false,” he said, distinguishing between simple editing and manipulation intended to alter meaning.
Ioannou also expressed concern that a prosecution could ultimately fail if crucial audiovisual evidence were ruled inadmissible by the court.
