**Institutions Committee to Review Videogate Findings in Extraordinary Session**
The House institutions committee of Cyprus is set to convene in an extraordinary session next Friday to discuss the implications of the findings from the independent investigation into the Videogate affair. This meeting comes in the wake of investigator Andreas Paschalides’ report, which concluded that no criminal offenses were identified in the case.
Committee chairman and Disy MP Demetris Demetriou has called for the session to address the report's findings and the surrounding controversy. In his public statement, Paschalides characterized some of the individuals involved in the video as engaging in “bluster” aimed at generating publicity rather than substantiating any criminal wrongdoing.
The call for transparency has been echoed by various political factions. Alma MP Irene Charalambides emphasized the need for the parliament to receive the full findings of the investigation, asserting that the House has the authority to request such documents. Her position reflects a broader concern among some lawmakers regarding accountability and the need for thorough oversight.
The opposition party Akel has also voiced strong criticism regarding the handling of the investigation. They have demanded that the findings be made public through the institutions committee, accusing the government of attempting to evade accountability. Parliamentary spokesman Giorgos Loukaides expressed that the effort to absolve the Christodoulides government through the investigator’s conclusions is a “crude mockery of the citizens.” He stated that the complete report's publication is essential for effective parliamentary oversight and confirmed that Akel has formally requested an extraordinary committee meeting to discuss the matter.
In parallel, Disy has also advocated for a comprehensive examination of the case through institutional procedures. The party has urged the legal service to evaluate the investigator’s report to determine if any criminal offenses arise and whether the findings can be disclosed without compromising any ongoing investigations. Disy emphasized the importance of separating legal accountability from political accountability, referencing the recent resignations of the director of the president’s office and the First Lady from her position at the Social Support Agency, as well as the government’s proposal to abolish a related fund.
Furthermore, Alma has reiterated its demand for the publication of the full report, arguing that Paschalides did not adequately address critical questions related to the case. They specifically mentioned the Vasiliko power station project and an earlier report from the Audit Office concerning its development, questioning why these issues were not included in the published findings. The party has called upon Attorney General George Savvides to clarify what actions have been taken regarding the Audit Office report submitted last year.
In a related development, lawyer Antonis Demetriou, representing the intelligence company Black Cube, has rejected Paschalides’ assertion that the Videogate affair is part of a hybrid attack against Cyprus. Demetriou maintained that Black Cube has consistently stated it does not work for governments or political parties. He also affirmed the authenticity of the video material provided to investigators, although he acknowledged that only edited excerpts were made available online.
As the extraordinary session approaches, the political landscape surrounding the Videogate affair remains contentious, with calls for transparency and accountability dominating the discourse. The institutions committee's forthcoming discussions will likely play a crucial role in shaping the narrative and future actions related to this high-profile case.