A prominent Member of Parliament from the ruling Democratic Rally (DISY) party, Nicos Sykas, is presently undergoing a thorough investigation following a formal complaint lodged by his partner. The allegations, which reportedly occurred during a recent holiday in Greece, have generated significant concern within the political sphere. This situation has prompted immediate action from the DISY leadership and initiated a complex legal process involving parliamentary immunity.
The complainant presented herself at the Limassol Police headquarters on Sunday, detailing accusations of physical battery against Sykas. In response, the Limassol Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has launched a comprehensive inquiry into the matter. The investigation file has since been forwarded to the Law Office of the Republic for an independent evaluation of the evidence and potential legal recourse.
DISY President Annita Demetriou issued a strong statement on Sunday, unequivocally condemning any form of violence, particularly against women. She asserted that such behaviour is entirely antithetical to the core values of the conservative party. Demetriou announced that Sykas would be excluded from DISY's future electoral candidacies. Furthermore, she publicly urged Sykas to voluntarily relinquish his parliamentary immunity, a move that would facilitate any potential prosecution.
Sykas, for his part, vehemently denies the accusations leveled against him. In a statement released on Sunday evening, he declared, "I categorically deny the complaint and am ready to testify."
The legal framework governing such cases in Cyprus presents a unique challenge. Under Article 83 of the Constitution, Members of Parliament are shielded from prosecution or arrest without the explicit consent of the Supreme Court. Consequently, the Attorney General must formally petition the Supreme Court to waive Sykas's immunity before any legal proceedings can commence. The alleged assault, having taken place abroad, falls under Article 5 of the Criminal Code. This article permits prosecution for offences committed outside Cyprus if they constitute a criminal offence in both jurisdictions and carry a potential prison sentence exceeding two years.
The DISY party leadership has convened for crisis talks to deliberate on the unfolding situation. While they have pledged to await the Law Office's assessment before making any definitive decisions, the immediate removal from future electoral lists signals a significant political fallout. The party’s stance underscores a commitment to a policy of “zero tolerance” towards domestic violence. This aims to uphold public trust and maintain the integrity of its representatives.
The investigation’s timeline indicates that the complaint was filed on Sunday, with the investigative dossier reaching the Law Office on Monday. This rapid progression highlights the gravity with which the allegations are being treated. The case is expected to test the efficacy of existing legal mechanisms in addressing serious allegations against elected officials. It will simultaneously underscore the enduring societal imperative to combat domestic violence in all its manifestations. The coming days will be crucial in determining the trajectory of both the legal investigation and Sykas's political future.