Christofides criticises Direct Democracy MPs over video about committee discussion

Nicosia, Cyprus. Christos Christofides, the Akel MP who chairs the House human rights committee, on Monday criticised a video by Direct Democracy MPs Yiannis Laouris and Diana Constantinidou. In it, they said “no one understood anything” during the committee’s discussion of technology.

Chairman seeks retraction

Laouris and Constantinidou posted the video following last week’s committee session examining human rights and neurotechnology. Those invited included representatives from universities, scientists, government agencies and independent authorities.

Addressing the issue before consideration of the agenda, Christofides described the comments as “derogatory and mocking” and called on both MPs to withdraw them.

He said the video portrayed all participating MPs as unable to understand the topic. He also argued that the remarks violated the House’s ethics code, which obliges members to respect their colleagues and avoid offensive conduct both within parliament and outside it.

Alma responds to remarks

Alma MP Irene Charalambides submitted a letter representing her party’s position. It said MPs could legitimately acknowledge that they personally found a specialised topic difficult, but should not disparage their colleagues collectively.

Her party colleague Litsa Drousiotou responded that she had understood the subject fully.

Separate disagreement over AI committee

Alma’s letter also maintained that existing parliamentary structures were sufficient to scrutinise artificial intelligence. It asked the meeting of party leaders not to establish an additional ad hoc committee.

The request relates to a separate disagreement over a possible AI committee. Laouris claimed that, during Direct Democracy’s meeting with House president Annita Demetriou following his election, she told the party it would receive the AI committee if one were established.