The government’s tolerance towards corruption “remains zero,” Government Spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis said, responding to the Independent Authority against Corruption’s announcement on its investigation into Makarios Drousiotis’s book “Mafia State.”
Asked to comment on the authority’s findings, Letymbiotis said the Authority’s report is “absolutely respected.”
He said legal procedures provided for under the Constitution and relevant legislation must now be set in motion by the competent bodies so that the serious matters raised in the report can be fully investigated.
“Our position is clear,” Letymbiotis continued, saying the state operates institutionally, responsibly and strictly on the basis of the Constitution, which requires strict adherence to procedures, full respect for the independence of the competent authorities and the judiciary, and which establishes the presumption of innocence.
He said that should the prescribed procedures give rise to a need for action by the Executive, this would be carried out with full respect for the Constitution, the powers of each institution and the provisions of the law.
Letymbiotis said the government’s tolerance towards corruption “remains zero,” adding that “our commitment to transparency, accountability and strengthening citizens’ trust in institutions remains unwavering.”
The Independent Authority Against Corruption has concluded that there is reasonable suspicion former president Nicos Anastasiades and several senior officials may have committed corruption-related offences.
The findings stem from a two-year investigation linked to allegations contained in the book Mafia State by former presidential aide and journalist Makarios Drousiotis.
The Authority stressed that its conclusions are based on the civil standard of proof, known as the balance of probabilities, and do not constitute criminal convictions. It added that only courts can determine criminal liability under the higher standard of proof beyond reasonable doubt.
(information from CNA)
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