Dorita Yiannakou
It is now final. Everyone in this country is clean, incorruptible, and spotless. That is the impression being conveyed to society. And this is exactly where the complete erosion of trust in institutions and the rule of law begins, and not without reason.
Nearly six years after the release of Al Jazeera’s explosive video, which sparked outrage in Cypriot society and embarrassed the country abroad, triggering political upheaval, resignations, and the abolition of the Cyprus Investment Programme (CIP), the high profile “golden passports” case has concluded at the trial level with the acquittal, by majority decision, of Demetris Syllouris and Christakis Giovani. Regarding intent to corrupt, the court found that it was not substantiated for former House Speaker Demetris Syllouris, noting that the subjective element of intent was not proven. At the same time, the charges concerning exertion of influence or improper interference in the investor naturalization process were also dismissed. According to the court’s reasoning, insufficient evidence emerged to demonstrate that the defendants influenced the process or intervened unlawfully.
The big picture is that Cyprus has become trapped in a justice system that is not rising to the occasion. This reality is in no way balanced by what the Republic’s prosecutor and head of communications at the Legal Service, Polina Efthivoulou, said, namely that prisons are full because the Legal Service has secured convictions against rapists, murderers, and drug traffickers. But was that not your job, Ms. Efthivoulou? Should we applaud you and hand out commendations because you did what was expected? And heaven forbid, we are not talking about nihilism, as she herself suggested. Still, there is no doubt that society is watching individuals and situations that insult the state.
The Legal Service, citing judicial errors, decided to proceed with an appeal against the Nicosia Assize Court’s decision in the case. At the same time, however, it opened a public discussion by invoking mafia style threats, bomb attacks, and fear on the part of Legal Service officials. In a strongly worded statement, Ms. Efthivoulou praised the Service’s work while avoiding further relevant details. So where does that leave us? With citizens who have nowhere to turn to seek protection or accountability. The regime of impunity is consolidating at a rapid pace, and repeated efforts to expose and convict certain officials for glaring issues are falling into the void. And do you know what sentiment dominates among the public? That only the small fry are being pursued, the ones who fell behind on a loan installment, who struggled to pay a fine, who grew indignant over an incident and forcefully demanded their rights. It is no coincidence that in market surveys conducted from time to time, citizens’ trust in institutions continues to decline. And the more suspicious citizens become of institutions, the more democracy itself erodes. We would say we are still at the beginning. Let us recall that the Independent Authority Against Corruption requested the criminal prosecution of former Agriculture Minister Nicos Kouyialis over the diversion of water from the Kouris River and the operation of illegal fish farms in the Trimiklini-Silikou area.
However, the final decision rests with the Attorney General, who will examine potential criminal liability in relation to disciplinary matters. We saved the best for last. Within the month comes the long awaited finding on the “mafia state” regarding the incidents attributed by Drousiotis in his book Mafia State to former President of the Republic Nicos Anastasiades. Of course, let us say it again. The final word belongs to the Attorney General. And those with ears to hear, let them hear.
