Fact: The first court proceedings between auditor-general Odysseas Michaelides and attorney-general George Savvides began with conflicts of interest and an adjournment.
The Cat Protection and Welfare Association (P.A.W.S.) is urging authorities to take action against an individual accused of neglecting cats held in cages for months in Strovolos. P.A.W.S. president Dinos Agiomamitis alleges that the cats, including three who gave birth in captivity, are suffering due to prolonged confinement, with stress causing the mothers to kill and eat their kittens. Despite repeated complaints, relevant bodies like the police and veterinary services have failed to intervene. The cats endured poor conditions, including exposure to harsh weather that led to flooding in the cages. P.A.W.S. is requesting the Attorney General prosecute the individual for animal cruelty, while Strovolos Municipality has already filed charges against the owner for illegal structures housing the cats. The accused reportedly lives away from the location and feeds the cats wet bread twice a week.
The Attorney General and Deputy Attorney General requested to be exempt from a new law requiring asset declarations to be made public. Despite concerns about corruption and the importance of transparency, the proposal barely passed in the Institutions Committee by a vote of 6-4. One MP showed courage by diverging from the party line, preventing a tie in the vote. The demand for exemption was made based on the argument that they are not politically exposed persons and should not be subject to public scrutiny. However, the column questions this reasoning, citing past corruption cases involving high-ranking officials. Members of the Institutions Committee voted in favor of including prosecutors in the list of officials required to submit asset declarations, with some MPs going against their party line. There is a risk that the position may change in the plenary, depending on how certain MPs vote.
– The opposition proceedings in the case brought against auditor-general Odysseas Michaelides by attorney-general George Savvides were filed by Odysseas’ team of lawyers.
– The opposition is based on two points: the application of the AG to the constitutional council is groundless and the AG does not have the authority to seek the sacking of an independent state official.
– Odysseas’ camp is applying pressure on the president to publicly side with him.
– The head of the anti-corruption authority demanded criminal charges against the drug squad chief, possibly linked to the Odysseas-Savvides clash.
– Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah urged Syrians to head for Cyprus and Europe to pressure Brussels to give Lebanon more funds for Syrian refugees.
– Parents were upset over the difficulty of questions in modern Greek exams for secondary school students.
– State hospital nursing unions are threatening industrial action if more nurses are not hired.
– The president announced the decision to appoint two criminal investigators before the cabinet approved it.
The Republic of Cyprus is facing a dilemma due to illegal operation of EAC power plants, risking sanctions from the European Commission. The Environment Department has prepared a report for criminal action against EAC. The revision of the Industrial Emissions Directive may allow a derogation for compliance by 2030. The European Commission has requested information on Cyprus’s intent to apply for a derogation. A meeting with relevant stakeholders will decide on the submission of a request and preparation of an action plan for compliance by 2030.
The Legal Service questioned the timing of the anti-corruption authority’s announcement regarding former drug squad chief Michalis Katsounotos.
The Auditor General has objected to the Attorney General’s request for his removal on grounds of misconduct, leading to a legal battle. The objection, submitted on the final day possible, disputes all points raised by the Attorney General. A hearing is scheduled for May 23, where the Council of the Supreme Constitutional Court will convene to hear the case. The dispute arose from the Attorney General’s refusal to press charges against a police officer who did not comply with questioning by the Independent Authority Against Corruption. The Auditor General’s legal team plans to raise two preliminary objections at the first hearing in May.
The clash between the Attorney General’s Office and the Independent Authority Against Corruption has created a sense of cover-up in society. The Anti-Corruption Authority requested the Attorney General’s Office to conduct a criminal inquiry and possible prosecution against a police officer who refused to cooperate in an investigation involving the Deputy Attorney General. The Attorney General’s Office declined to comply, leading to a clash of interpretations of the law and reinforcing the sense of collusion in society. This affects the quality of the rule of law and society as a whole, as citizens expect integrity and probity from those in key public positions. The Anti-Corruption Authority’s efforts may be hindered if witnesses continue to invoke their right to silence.
Fact: The formal objection filed by the lawyer for Auditor-General Odysseas Michaelides consists of 75 pages.
Fact: Attorney-general George Savvides decided not to prosecute former police drug squad chief Michalis Katsounotos for refusing to answer questions put to him by the Anti-Corruption Authority.