The President of the Democratic Rally (DISY), Annita Demetriou, has moved to exclude Limassol MP Nicos Sykas from the party’s future electoral lists following a formal complaint by his partner alleging physical assault.
In a statement released on Sunday, Demetriou asserted that there would be “zero tolerance” for allegations of violence, particularly against women, which she said “offend the values” of the conservative party.
While acknowledging the presumption of innocence, Demetriou urged Sykas to voluntarily waive his parliamentary immunity to facilitate an immediate police investigation.
The DISY leader confirmed she would recommend his formal removal from the party’s ballot to the relevant governing bodies.
The Limassol Criminal Investigation Department (CID) launched a probe after a woman presented herself at police headquarters on Sunday. She reported that Sykas, with whom she is in a relationship, had beaten and physically assaulted her several days ago while the two were on holiday in Greece. After returning to Cyprus, the complainant underwent a medical examination before filing the official report.
Under Article 83 of the Constitution, members of the House of Representatives cannot be prosecuted or arrested without the leave of the Supreme Court.
Law enforcement sources confirmed that the investigation file will be submitted to the Law Office on Monday. The Attorney General must then determine if there is sufficient evidence to petition the Supreme Court for a waiver of Sykas’s immunity, allowing detectives to take a formal statement from the MP under caution.
Sykas, 59, who has served as the Limassol district secretary for DISY and was elected to parliament in 2021, issued a brief statement on Sunday evening expressing “shock” at the allegations. “I categorically deny the complaint and am ready to testify,” he said, indicating he would cooperate with the authorities to clear his name.