Cyprus Attorney General: Decision on Private Prosecutor in "Mafia State" Case After Investigation Concludes
The head of Cyprus's Legal Service Yiorgos Savvides told parliament that a decision on whether to appoint an independent prosecutor in the corruption case known as "Mafia State" will be made after the criminal investigation is completed.
Cyprus Attorney General: Decision on Private Prosecutor in "Mafia State" Case After Investigation Concludes
The head of the Legal Service of the Republic of Cyprus, Yiorgos Savvides, informed the Parliamentary Committee on Legal Affairs that the decision on appointing an independent prosecutor in the "Mafia State" case will be taken only after the criminal investigation is concluded and if there is a need for prosecutions to arise.
Mr Savvides attended the committee alongside his deputy, Savva Angelidis. When AKEL MP Andreas Pasiortidis called for the resignation of the two senior prosecutors to restore public confidence, the head of the Legal Service responded that the service cannot remain entirely outside the "Mafia State" process.
Mr Savvides stressed that he can handle any case without prejudice, even if a family member is involved. "If we had not recused ourselves, they would have hanged us," he stated, defending the decision of the two senior prosecutors to withdraw from managing the case.
Regarding the recent release of Hamburger with presidential clemency, the head of the Legal Service noted that many decisions of his service are at odds with public opinion. "The role of the Attorney General is very lonely, it has the advantage of being an independent institution, it cannot be removed from office and does not have the need to be liked," he said.
Mr Savvides made the issue of surveillance a first priority, saying that "we cannot combat corruption without surveillance." He also referred to the bill on tackling disinformation via social networks, which is pending in parliament.
The Deputy Attorney General explained that the decision on Hamburger's release was taken on the basis of many factors, involving the Police, the witness protection programme and security matters.
Source: Philenews
Source: Philenews