Anastasiades withdraws from DISY roles pending corruption investigation
Former president Nikos Anastasiades has decided to withdraw from the collective bodies of DISY during any investigation into allegations of abuse of power.
Anastasiades withdraws from DISY roles pending corruption investigation
Former president of the Republic Nikos Anastasiades has announced that he will withdraw from the collective bodies of the Democratic Rally for as long as any investigation is conducted against him for allegations of abuse of power, pledging that he will return after his name has been cleared.
The former head of state and honorary president of the party told Reporter that he has already informed DISY president Annita Demetriou of his intention to withdraw from the collective bodies' meetings until the truth comes to light.
His decision comes following public pressure from MP Dimitris Demetriou, who had called on Anastasiades to distance himself from the party, pointing out that other DISY officials who faced criminal investigations have been removed from their positions.
Anastasiades is accused of abuse of power and intermediation. On Tuesday he delivered a lengthy speech in which he maintained his innocence before answering questions from journalists. During that appearance, he rejected the allegations made by the Anti-Corruption Authority, which had investigated claims initially raised by his former associate and journalist Makarios Drousiotes in his book.
The former president stressed that he does not wish to ascribe bad faith to the Anti-Corruption Authority, but accused its members of lacking the necessary strong will to resist populism, the atmosphere created by courts of public opinion, character assassins and malicious actors on the internet.
He demanded the immediate appointment of an independent criminal investigating judge and prosecutor with a strong personality and recognised standing, who would complete the work within a reasonable timeframe.
Source: Cyprus Mail
Source: Cyprus Mail