**NICOSIA** – A significant legal and political storm has erupted in Cyprus following serious allegations of physical abuse levelled against Nikos Sykas, a Member of Parliament representing the ruling DISY party. The accusations, reportedly made by his wife or partner, have prompted an immediate investigation by the police and a swift decision by his party to remove him from their electoral slate, with authorities now initiating the complex process to suspend his parliamentary immunity.
The alleged incident is said to have occurred on New Year's Eve while the couple was visiting Greece. Shortly thereafter, on Sunday, a formal complaint was lodged with the Limassol police department by Sykas's partner, detailing the nature of the alleged abuse. Medical examinations were conducted, and the findings were subsequently documented. In the wake of these developments, the DISY party, under the leadership of Annita Demetriou, who also serves as the House Speaker, moved decisively on Monday. The party announced Mr. Sykas's exclusion from their candidate list for the forthcoming parliamentary elections, signalling a zero-tolerance stance towards allegations of violence.
The legal ramifications are now escalating. The case file, compiled by CID Limassol, which has been collecting testimonies from the complainant and other potential witnesses, has been transferred to the Law Office of the Republic. Assistant Attorney General Savvas Angelides, acting in the capacity of deputy attorney general, has issued instructions for the commencement of proceedings to lift Mr. Sykas's parliamentary privilege. This crucial step is a prerequisite for allowing a thorough criminal investigation and potential prosecution, as stipulated by Cypriot law.
In response to the allegations, Mr. Sykas issued a statement on his Facebook page on Sunday night, vehemently denying the accusations and any accompanying insinuations. He expressed his readiness to cooperate fully with the authorities and provide his testimony. However, the gravity of the claims has necessitated the legal move to strip him of his parliamentary immunity, a protection afforded to lawmakers to ensure their ability to perform their duties without undue interference.
Annita Demetriou, in a statement underscoring the party's position, declared, "As president of Disy, I declare with absolute clarity that there is no tolerance for allegations of violence. We fully respect justice and the presumption of innocence, but the investigation must be carried out immediately." This sentiment highlights the delicate balance DISY is attempting to strike between upholding party principles and respecting the legal process.
The application to the Supreme Court, the judicial body responsible for ruling on the lifting of parliamentary immunity, is expected to be submitted imminently, potentially within this week or early next. Should the Supreme Court grant the request, Mr. Sykas would be subject to questioning by law enforcement and could face formal charges, depending on the findings of the investigation. This case underscores the intricate legal framework governing allegations against elected officials in Cyprus and the significant implications for both the individuals involved and the political landscape. The public will undoubtedly be closely observing the unfolding legal proceedings and their ultimate resolution.