**Attorney-General Defends Recusal in Mafia State Investigation**
Nicosia, Cyprus - Attorney-General George Savvides appeared before the House Legal Affairs Committee on Wednesday to defend his recent decision to recuse himself from the investigation into the anti-corruption authority's Mafia State report. His testimony aimed to clarify the rationale behind his move, which he stated was essential to maintain impartiality in the proceedings.
Savvides emphasized that his decision was not influenced by external pressures but was made to uphold the integrity of the investigation. "If we had done the opposite, they would have hung us out to dry," he remarked, underscoring the importance of objectivity in the face of public scrutiny. He was accompanied by Deputy Attorney-General Savvas Angelides during the session.
The discussion also touched on the ongoing examination of the Sandy case, with Savvides confirming that the Law Office is currently reviewing the file. Prosecutors are deliberating on the next steps, including the potential filing of criminal charges.
Criticism of the handling of the Mafia State investigation was raised by Akel MP Andreas Pasiourtidis, who suggested that both Savvides and Angelides should resign to eliminate any perceived conflict of interest. Pasiourtidis argued that the Law Office could not effectively distance itself from the process while simultaneously acting as a "messenger." He expressed concerns that the current situation could lead to institutional deadlocks.
In response, Savvides defended the autonomy of the attorney-general's office, describing his role as "very lonely" and asserting that decisions are made independently of public opinion. "I have said from the first day we took office that, regardless of the noise, whether positive or negative, when we make decisions we completely isolate ourselves from the influence of public opinion," he stated.
The committee also addressed the controversial decision to release Charalambos Chrysanthou, a convicted criminal known as Hamburger. Savvides referred to a previous public statement from the Law Office that addressed the concerns surrounding this decision. He acknowledged the need for greater transparency but noted that complete disclosure is often not feasible due to ongoing criminal proceedings and other legal considerations.
In a broader context, the committee discussed the longstanding proposal to separate the constitutional roles of the attorney-general as both legal adviser to the state and public prosecutor. Savvides indicated that while he sees advantages in separating these roles, he also recognizes the benefits of maintaining their current structure. He confirmed that he had signed the explanatory report accompanying the government's draft legislation on this matter, but had also expressed reservations about its constitutionality, attaching detailed legal opinions to support his position. "Had I refused to sign the explanatory report, I would have been accused of blocking the bill and creating an institutional deadlock," he explained.
Savvides outlined the Law Office's priorities, highlighting the lawful interception of communications as a critical tool in combating corruption and organized crime. He stated, "There can be no effective fight against corruption without this tool, provided it is always used within the constitutional and legislative framework." He also mentioned the need for new legislation addressing issues related to social media, including online insults and the dissemination of false information. Discussions with the justice ministry are ongoing, with draft legislation expected to be submitted soon.
Regarding the Mafia State investigation, Savvides assured the committee that the inquiry is making progress and that significant developments are anticipated in the coming days. Once investigators complete their work and prosecutors evaluate the evidence, the Law Office will determine the next steps based strictly on legal grounds and the available evidence. The decision to appoint an independent public prosecutor will be contingent upon the investigation's findings.
Committee members raised concerns about delays in the Cypriot justice system, the potential introduction of video recording in court proceedings, and broader judicial reforms. Savvides clarified that policymaking falls outside the purview of the attorney-general, whose role is primarily focused on the legal scrutiny of draft legislation. However, he noted that improvements have already been made in reducing delays, particularly in administrative cases. Angelides added that protocols have been revised in response to rulings from the European Court of Human Rights, and training programs for officials are being implemented.
As the investigation into the Mafia State report continues, the discussions in the House Legal Affairs Committee highlight the complexities and challenges facing the Cypriot legal system amidst calls for transparency and reform.