Government: Independent investigator for 'Mafia State' case against Anastasiades
The government plans to appoint an independent criminal investigator to examine allegations of abuse of power against former president Anastasiades. The prosecutor and his deputy have withdrawn from the case.
Government plans appointment of independent investigator in 'Mafia State' case
The Cypriot government intends to appoint an independent criminal investigator to investigate allegations of abuse of power against former president Nicos Anastasiades, contained in a report by the Anti-Corruption Authority. This was announced on Wednesday by government spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis, according to Cyprus Mail.
"Taking into account the need for full investigation of the matters referenced in the Anti-Corruption Authority's announcement, within the prescribed legal and institutional framework, the cabinet intends to appoint an independent criminal investigator or investigators," Letymbiotis stated following the cabinet session.
The appointment will be made "with the aim of assisting investigative work," he added, clarifying that the decision is conditional: it depends on actions that will follow once the Anti-Corruption Authority transmits its full report to the Legal Service, and takes into account the announcement issued today by that service.
In that announcement, Attorney General Giorgos Savvides and his deputy Savvas Angelides declared recusal from any involvement in the case. The Legal Service meanwhile reported that the Anti-Corruption Authority informed it that the report would be sent to it no earlier than next week.
"Our position is clear: every serious point mentioned in the report must become the subject of proper and full investigation through the competent institutional procedures, without any deviation from the rule of law," Letymbiotis emphasised.
The government spokesman stressed that the appointment will take place "after the necessary institutional procedures have been completed," and assured that the government is "determined" to "tackle corruption," as its "commitment to strengthening transparency, accountability and citizens' trust in institutions" is "a given."
Source: Cyprus Mail