Nicosia, Cyprus. Alexandros Panayiotou was sworn in as a Supreme Court judge on Monday and said the rule of law faces difficult times domestically and internationally.
Concerns over rule of law
Speaking at the swearing-in ceremony, Panayiotou said a “dangerous environment” of questioning international law is taking shape globally, alongside a continuing crisis of institutions and the rule of law at home. He said it is important to emphasise that courts are the last bastion of protection for democratic institutions.
He said that in times of crisis, when social cohesion is affected and institutions are questioned, courts will be called upon to protect the application of the law and restore public trust in institutions.
Defence of the judiciary and focus on rights
Panayiotou said Cypriot judges respond adequately and with dedication to their duty, observing the principle of judicial independence, and do not respond to criticism, which he said is always welcome but is sometimes unjustifiably unfair and devastating to the entire judiciary.
He said the Cypriot judge must be particularly sensitive to people’s human rights, as justice is dispensed in what he described as a semi-occupied homeland where Cypriots suffer daily violations of their human rights.
Justice delays and efforts to reduce them
Panayiotou addressed perceived delays in the administration of justice, saying this rightly results in people feeling disappointment and disillusionment. He said those working in the justice system are trying under adverse circumstances to perform their duty and to cope with efforts to reduce delays.
President highlights Panayiotou’s career
President Nikos Christodoulides praised the consistency and responsibility he said Panayiotou has shown over three decades. He said Panayiotou’s career is characterised by seriousness, scientific competence and commitment to the principles of impartiality.
Christodoulides outlined Panayiotou’s career, including serving as chief justice of the criminal courts in Nicosia and Larnaca and most recently as chief justice of the court of appeal. He said Panayiotou confirmed his commitment to principles that should govern a senior judicial officer during his term at the court of appeal.
He said Panayiotou has expressed that a judge must be a model of ethics and behaviour, and that the exercise of judicial power is not consistent with arrogance or irony, but with modesty and a sense of responsibility.
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