Attorney asked to prove bombshell allegations

Attorney Nicos Clerides is being asked to show proof in writing of allegations he made last month regarding children of Supreme Court judges and special interests.

The attorney, who is the brother of current Attorney General Costas Clerides, wrote on social media in December that Supreme Court judges had children working for powerhouse attorneys, naming Polyviou and Chrysafinis.

His comments were a response to criticism on social media against his brother, who was being accused of being inadequate following recent trials. 

According to Cyprus News Agency (CNA), the Cyprus Bar Association has sent a letter to Nicos Clerides, asking him to give proof in writing to substantiate his claims.

At the centre of the allegations were family ties and relations between children of Supreme Court judges and high-powered attorneys who represent banking institutions.

Two weeks ago, during backlash following his comments, the attorney said he stood ready to substantiate his claims.

Critics claimed that if children of Supreme Court judges work for big legal firms, that did not mean there was a smoking gun.

But the attorney told a TV News show that “this by itself may not prove anything but Cyprus has already been condemned by the European Court of Human Rights on this very issue that touches on familial relations between a Supreme Court judge and a specific firm. It’s the Nicholas case,” he said.

Attorney General Costas Clerides has declined to weigh in on the controversy, saying that the matter has to do with his brother.

Nicos Clerides said he is ready to face consequences if his claims were not proven true, adding that he wondered what would happen if his allegations were proven true.