Cyprus investigator defends ‘waffling’ description in presidential video probe

Politics parliamentTop News Cyprus investigator defends ‘waffling’ description in presidential video probe Pashalides1 1536x1138 Relevant News Cyprus investigator defends ‘waffling’ description in presidential video probe 1 August 2026 Charred body found inside burning car on Avgorou dirt road 1 August 2026 Cyprus patient federation demands state action on home care gaps and digital health files 1 August 2026 Fanis Makrides 1 August 2026 FacebookXWhatsAppEmailPrintViber Criminal investigator Andreas Paschalides defended his report into the controversial Presidential Palace video scandal, telling MPs that his use of the terms “waffling and hot air” in a July 20 announcement indicated the commission of criminal offences rather than an exoneration of those involved. Paschalides, a former Supreme Court judge and head of the Independent Authority for the Investigation of Allegations and Complaints Against the Police (AADIPA), made the remarks during a tense session of the House Institutions Committee that lasted over two hours. He defended his handling of the case, adding that while he could not rule out a wording error in his written statements, some individuals had intentionally misinterpreted his public disclosures. Responding to questions from committee chairman Demetris Demetriou regarding public backlash, Paschalides clarified that his initial announcement used the terms “waffling” and “hot air” to demonstrate that the subjects were being investigated for specific crimes. He explained that these terms point to the potential commission of “trading in influence,” an offence established under national anti-corruption legislation that implements a European Convention. He noted that his reservations in the July 20 announcement stemmed from judicial rulings on trading in influence during previous court cases involving Dromolaxia and Al Jazeera. Addressing criticisms that he whitewashed state officials, Paschalides stated he never ruled out criminal offences. He explained that both his first and second announcements merely noted there were no violations of the general Criminal Code, comparing it to drug trafficking, which is prosecuted under specialized statutes rather than the standard Criminal Code. He stated that the specific anti-corruption law had been prominent in the previous cases of Syllouris and Dromolaxia, adding that legal textbooks and English and Greek jurisprudence show that “waffling and hot air” are legally punishable because they cannot be covered under the general Criminal Code. The committee also debated Paschalides’ initial claim on 20 July that the video was created as part of a “hybrid war” against the Republic of Cyprus. The investigator declined to provide specific details on how he reached this conclusion, stating it would compromise the core of his confidential report. He noted that his findings reflected the evidence available at the time and confirmed he had requested a term extension from the Attorney General to attempt to identify the individual behind the instructions given to Black Cube—the corporate intelligence firm that filmed the video under a client contract. Paschalides also addressed his decision to issue a second clarifying statement on 23 July. He noted that while a former Supreme Court President and other legal experts understood his initial meaning, the motives of certain politicians and legal figures who claimed not to understand remained questionable to him. He rejected accusations linking his appointment at AADIPA to the outcome of the probe, stating they insulted his dignity. The committee session saw several sharp exchanges between MPs and the investigator. When Paschalides complained about insulting allegations made against him, MP Irini Charalambidou countered that government officials had insulted him by publicly celebrating his initial announcement. Paschalides accused Charalambidou of falsely linking his appointment to the report and dismissed insinuations regarding the timing of his announcement on the 20 July anniversary, noting that he had personally fought at Pentadaktylos. Further friction occurred when MP George Loukaides commented that Paschalides was nodding in agreement with statements by MP Nicolas Papadopoulos, drawing a sharp rebuttal from the investigator. Deputy Attorney General Savvas Angelidis, who spoke for over 20 minutes at the start of the session, acknowledged Parliament’s right to exercise legislative oversight but warned that even innocent questions could compromise an active, ongoing investigation. Angelidis rejected a suggestion by Loukaides to submit the classified report to Parliament under protective procedures, stating he had no knowledge of such a precedent occurring in the past. After outlining the three potential legal paths for handling the findings, the Deputy Attorney General left the meeting, stating he could not stay to censor which questions could be answered. Antonis Demetriou, the lawyer representing Black Cube, told the committee he had seen no evidence indicating the video was part of a hybrid war against Cyprus, adding that he would not have taken the case if he knew that to be true. The President of the Cyprus Bar Association, Michalis Vorkas, left the meeting midway through the session. The controversial video previously triggered the resignation of Charalambos Charalambous, the director of the President’s office. The footage also featured former Commerce Minister Yiannis Lakkotrypis and George Chrysochos, the CEO of the CyField construction group. The video allegedly purports to show an established corruption mechanism and illegal private financing at the Presidential Palace in exchange for favours. Subscribe to our Newsletter Latest News Charred body found inside burning car on Avgorou dirt road Cyprus patient federation demands state action on home care gaps and digital health files Six men arrested over kidnapping and extortion of 20-year-old in Famagusta district Cyprus airports manage 53,000 passengers daily as smart tracking highlights arrival passport control delays Ancient shipwreck discovered off Andros island sheds light on late classical Aegean maritime trade Coastguard launches sea rescues as storm-force winds drive fires to beach resorts in Boeotia and West Attica Larnaca’s Livadia district sees massive construction boom as oil refinery site frees coastal land Follow en.philenews on Google News and be the first to know all the news about Cyprus and the world.