**AG Puts Limits on Videogate Investigation in Parliament**
In a significant development regarding the ongoing Videogate investigation, Attorney-General Giorgos Savvides has issued a directive limiting the participation of key individuals in an upcoming parliamentary discussion. In a letter sent to parliament on Tuesday, Savvides informed Members of Parliament (MPs) that neither the special investigator, Andreas Paschalides, nor police officials would be permitted to answer questions during the extraordinary session scheduled for this Friday.
The Videogate affair revolves around a video that surfaced online in January, allegedly depicting influence peddling involving associates of President Nikos Christodoulides. The House ethics committee is set to convene to discuss the findings of investigator Paschalides, who recently summarized his conclusions regarding the matter.
The committee session will include testimonies from various officials, including Paschalides, representatives from the attorney-general's office, senior police officials, and other key figures such as the under-secretary to the President, Irini Piki, and a lawyer representing Black Cube, the private intelligence firm responsible for producing the controversial video.
However, Savvides has established clear boundaries for the session. He stated that the investigative dossier, currently held by the attorney-general's office, will not be made available to parliament. In his letter, he cited legal reasons for this decision, emphasizing that the dossier's contents cannot be disclosed as the investigation is still active. “The criminal investigation is still ongoing,” he noted, highlighting that some aspects of the inquiry remain incomplete, particularly the investigation into who commissioned Black Cube for the project.
Paschalides has been tasked with identifying the individuals or entities that financed the video production by the end of the year. Savvides cautioned that any discussion or inquiry into the investigative work outside of a competent court could jeopardize the integrity of the investigation and potentially infringe upon the rights of those involved.
In light of these restrictions, Savvides declared that individuals summoned to the committee who possess knowledge of the case would not be able to respond to questions or present any related documents. He urged MPs and attendees to take his recommendations seriously to avoid interfering with the ongoing judicial process.
In response to the AG's limitations, Demetris Demetriou, the chair of the House ethics committee, expressed a differing viewpoint. He asserted that parliament operates as an autonomous body and is not bound by the restrictions imposed by the Attorney-General. “On our part, we will ask the questions we plan to ask,” Demetriou stated, indicating that MPs may choose to conduct the session behind closed doors if deemed necessary.
As the investigation continues, the implications of the AG's directive raise questions about the balance between legislative oversight and the integrity of ongoing criminal proceedings. The outcome of the upcoming parliamentary session and the broader investigation into the Videogate affair will be closely monitored by both the public and political observers in Cyprus.