THE BIGGEST news story over last few days has been that it was very hot. As if anyone in Kyproulla had not felt the scorching heat and had to be informed about it by continuous reports and updates from the media.OK, it was the highest ever temperature recorded in early June, but what more is … Read more
Fact: Cyprus is among the EU countries with the lowest performance in the time required to resolve civil cases.
The financial aspect of the scandal surrounding the Osiou Avakoum monastery is the most complex one, according to the attorney-general. Monks under investigation were allegedly found with €800,000 in cash, property in Greece and Limassol, and were caught on CCTV footage having sex with each other.
The Supreme Constitutional Court is set to announce its decision on June 5 on whether attorney-general George Savvides is constitutionally allowed to initiate dismissal proceedings against auditor-general Odysseas Michaelides.
The Supreme Constitutional Court upheld an appeals-court ruling that the second-term appointment of Loukia Christodoulou as Commissioner for the Protection of Competition was legal. This decision ensures that every fine issued by the commissioner during her tenure is now secure and cannot be challenged.
Fact: The Legal Service has been criticized for its handling of the case of Thanasis Nicolaou, with his family and the judge questioning their actions.
Fact: The first court proceedings between auditor-general Odysseas Michaelides and attorney-general George Savvides began with conflicts of interest and an adjournment.
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 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.
Fact: Hundreds of people protested outside the legal service in support of Auditor General Odysseas Michaelides.