The Law Office gave instructions in two directions today regarding the complaint by DISY MP Nikos Sykas’s partner alleging assault against her.
Assistant Attorney General Savvas Angelides, who is also acting as deputy attorney general, studied the police file and issued two sets of instructions, according to philenews information.
First, lawyers from the Office must immediately evaluate the file with collected testimonies to submit an application to the Supreme Court for lifting the MP’s immunity as soon as possible.
Second, further investigation of the case is needed so the immunity-lifting request can be adequately justified.
CID Limassol, which has been examining the complaint since Sunday, has taken statements from other persons besides the complainant and will take new statements related to the case.
The MP’s partner telephoned some trusted persons after the incident to inform them about it, according to information. Statements will be taken from them, which will strengthen her testimony.
Lifting Sykas’s immunity is now considered inevitable. A Supreme Court decision that he is not covered by parliamentary immunity is required before he can be questioned. Even though he expressed his intention to give a statement to the authorities, this is not enough under the law.
Immunity lifting is required before being called for questioning, and the same applies if an MP is to be charged in court—criminal prosecution cannot be brought without immunity being lifted first.
Legal experts note that if Sykas does not object to the immunity lifting request, things will be facilitated for the decision to be taken immediately. The application to the Supreme Court is expected to be submitted immediately, possibly within this week or at latest early next week.