The State Legal Service is presently confronting intensified scrutiny regarding its conduct in a prominent case that concluded with the acquittal of former House President Demetris Syllouris and ex-Akel MP Christakis Giovanis. These individuals were exonerated from charges connected to the controversial "golden passports" scandal, which involved accusations of improperly awarding Cypriot citizenship to foreign investors. Prominent lawyer Elias Stephanou has publicly demanded that the legal service offer clear justifications for its trial strategy, particularly concerning the management of witnesses who ultimately did not provide testimony.
Concerns have been significantly amplified by reports indicating that several individuals, allegedly implicated in criminal activities and who had initially altered their statements to investigators, were reportedly not summoned to testify during the proceedings. Furthermore, questions have emerged concerning the granting of immunity to certain witnesses, despite their suspected involvement in illicit naturalizations and their subsequent retraction of earlier accounts. This situation has generated a strong demand for greater transparency and a comprehensive reassessment of the prosecution's approach.
In response to the acquittals, the State Legal Service has declared its intention to file an appeal. However, this appeal will be strictly limited to addressing points of law and alleged judicial errors, rather than re-evaluating witness credibility, a determination already made by the court of first instance. This precise approach to the appeal highlights the intricate legal complexities and the restricted scope for challenging the factual conclusions of the initial trial.
These developments coincide with a substantial transition within the Attorney General's office. George Savvides and Savvas Angelides have recently assumed their new positions as Attorney General and Deputy Attorney General, respectively. Their appointments, finalised on Monday following a swearing-in ceremony on July 10th, were underscored by President Nicos Anastasiades' emphasis on stringent criteria including unimpeachable morality, unwavering honesty, judicious discretion, profound integrity, extensive legal acumen, and substantial experience. The President articulated a clear vision for the revitalised leadership, stressing the imperative to expedite pending legal cases and enhance the overall efficacy of the judicial system.
Mr. Stephanou articulated his expectation for the legal service to engage in a process of introspection and self-assessment. "There are issues on which the legal service must take a position regarding the way it handled witnesses, especially those who did not come to testify," he stated. He further elaborated on the necessity for accountability, remarking, "It must take a position on the manner in which these witnesses … were handled, because they changed the positions they had stated before the investigating authorities." The scrutiny directed at the State Legal Service highlights the significant implications of the acquittals.