Cyprus's Attorney-General, George Savvides, has worries about a new government plan. The plan would let the Supreme Court review decisions made by future attorneys-general. Savvides says this part of the plan has "serious constitutional concerns."
The proposed changes are being studied by a legal committee. They want to separate the many jobs of the attorney-general. The plan suggests two new roles. One will be the Attorney-General for government advice. The other will be the Director of Public Prosecutions for criminal cases.
Currently, the attorney-general's decisions are not often reviewed by others. However, this new bill wants to change this. Savvides is worried about how appeals will work. The bill says appeals of the attorney-general's decisions go to the Supreme Court. Appeals for the Director of Public Prosecutions will be reviewed internally first.
Savvides told the committee there are "serious reasons" to rethink this review process. He said it is important to have a strong oversight system. He understands the government wants more accountability. However, he said they have not agreed yet. Savvides stated, "The issue must be resolved through the correct process."
The plan also includes new deputies for both roles. This is a big change for Cyprus's legal system. The government wants to reduce concentrated power. They also want more clear checks and balances. However, the idea of the Supreme Court reviewing attorney-general decisions is a main point of discussion.