Cyprus Watchdog Uncovers Abuse of Power Allegations Against Ex-President
Investigation Into Alleged Misconduct by Nicos Anastasiades
Watchdog's Findings and Referral
NICOSIA, June 16 (Reuters) - Cyprus' anti-corruption watchdog on Tuesday said it had identified possible abuse of power by former president Nicos Anastasiades while in office, referring the matter to the island's top prosecutor for further consideration.
Details of Alleged Violations
The alleged violations include irregularities in campaign financing, alleged efforts to influence investigations into businessmen bankrolling political parties and alleged institutional interference in matters affecting his own interests.
They also include the alleged use of political influence before his election to advance citizenship applications linked to clients of his law firm, including wealthy Russian businessmen.
Anastasiades' Tenure and the Citizenship Scheme
Anastasiades, who has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing, was president of Cyprus between 2013 and 2023. During that time, thousands of wealthy investors acquired a Cypriot passport in an investment-for-citizenship scheme. It was discontinued in 2020 after a string of exposes that the scheme was running without proper oversight.
Assessment Standards and Legal Implications
Balance of Probabilities vs. Criminal Proof
The Independent Anti-Corruption Authority said it was basing its assessment on a "balance of probabilities" rather than the criminal standard of proof.
Presumption of Innocence
"The findings do not constitute criminal convictions and all individuals concerned remain entitled to the presumption of innocence," it said.
Impact and Broader Context
Significance of the Investigation
The two-year investigation has become a test of Cyprus' willingness to scrutinise alleged wrongdoing at the highest levels of government.
Allegations by Makarios Drousiotis
Claims of Systemic Corruption
The authority has been investigating allegations by former Anastasiades aide Makarios Drousiotis that, during his tenure, Cyprus developed a system in which political power, business interests, lawyers and state institutions became closely intertwined, weakening accountability and the rule of law.
Published Accounts and Rebuttals
Drousiotis, an investigative journalist, made the claims in his book "Mafia State". Anastasiades has countered the claims in an account published last year titled "The Sycophant".
(Writing by Michele KambasEditing by Ros Russell)
