Nicosia, Cyprus. Lawyer Simos Angelides on Monday criticised what he described as selective scrutiny within the justice system, citing differences in how allegations are handled by police. Justice Minister Costas Fitiris said any wrongdoing would be addressed if supported by testimony and written statements.
Justice minister comments on accountability
At a press conference on Monday, Fitiris said that if there were any “rotten apples”, they would be eliminated, adding that everything depended on obtaining testimonies and written statements.
Angelides questions suspensions and legal competence
Speaking on Sigma TV, Angelides questioned the legal basis of recent suspensions. He said issues cited publicly, including alleged GDPR violations and defamation, “do not fall within the competence of the police”, arguing that personal data matters belong to the relevant commissioner and that defamation is a civil issue, not grounds for criminal prosecution.
He said this created “a series of question marks” from the outset.
Allegations of selective treatment
Angelides said the key issue was what he described as selective treatment of allegations. “Here lies the oxymoron,” he said, adding that authorities cannot adopt certain reports while lacking the will to investigate others.
He cited the recent suspension of Paphos mayor Phedonas Phedonos and Lefkoniko mayor Pieris Gypsiotis for alleged domestic abuse, while serious accusations against senior police figures have not led to comparable repercussions.
Claims about reporting attempts and trust in institutions
Angelides referred to Annie Alexui’s claims that she had repeatedly tried in previous years to report specific incidents to the police but was allegedly turned away.
He said her call for witnesses to bypass local stations and contact police headquarters instead reflected “the belief that at a lower level there is a cover-up, while at the police headquarters there is greater trust in the institution,” adding that “this is tragic”.
What do you think should determine whether allegations trigger immediate suspensions or investigations?
