**Drousiotis Lawyer Calls for Resignation of Attorney General and Deputy Following Anti-Corruption Findings**
In a significant development regarding allegations of corruption within the highest levels of government, Leto Kariolou, the lawyer representing Makarios Drousiotis, has urged the immediate resignation of Attorney General Giorgos Savvides and his deputy, Savvas Angelides. This call comes in light of a recent report from the anti-corruption authority, which suggests that former President Nicos Anastasiades may have misused his presidential powers.
Kariolou's remarks were made during an interview with Omega on Tuesday, shortly after the anti-corruption authority released findings that implicated Anastasiades in potential abuses of power. Both Savvides and Angelides were appointed to their current roles by Anastasiades and previously served as ministers in his administration, raising questions about their ability to impartially oversee any investigations related to the former president.
The report from the anti-corruption authority has been described by Kariolou as a “first vindication in a multi-year struggle” for her client, Drousiotis. She emphasized that the findings indicate the “possible commission of extremely serious criminal offences of abuse of power and corruption” across various state institutions, including the police, the Legal Service, the anti-money laundering unit (Mokas), and segments of the judiciary.
Kariolou expressed concern over how the findings would be managed by the Legal Service, which is the only entity capable of initiating a criminal investigation in this context. She warned that even if Savvides and Angelides were to recuse themselves from the case, the involvement of officials who report to them could compromise the integrity of the investigation. “Independence is not just about existing; it is also about being seen,” she stated, highlighting the importance of public perception in ensuring justice.
The lawyer's call for action extends to the government, urging it to act swiftly by appointing independent criminal investigators to handle the case. Kariolou underscored that the findings bolster the demand for accountability at the highest levels of the prosecutorial structure, suggesting that a thorough and transparent investigation is essential for restoring public trust.
As the situation develops, the implications of the anti-corruption authority's report could have far-reaching effects on Cyprus's political landscape, particularly concerning the integrity of its legal and governmental institutions. The public and legal communities will be closely monitoring the response from the government and the Legal Service in the wake of these serious allegations.