Onoufrios Koulla, spokesman for the Democratic Rally (DISY), gave a fierce response to the Progressive Party of Working People (AKEL) over its stance on the Anti-Corruption Authority's findings in the Mafia State case, accusing the left-wing party of toxic rhetoric, institutional disrespect and political deviation.
In a written statement, the DISY spokesman addressed AKEL at length, accusing it of aggressive rhetoric and contempt for state institutions, prompted by the Anti-Corruption Authority's findings.
Koulla noted pointedly that "AKEL is a party. It is not a court!" and argued that the party is showing, in his words, "complete disrespect for the constitution, the institutions and the rules of the rule of law," adding that the party "thinks it can appoint and dismiss officials and that it has the right to judge and convict everyone."
In his statement, he spoke of a "new tirade" from AKEL, which, he said, "has evolved into a toxic party of protest and fanaticism."
The DISY spokesman also referred to what he called AKEL's "sinful track record," arguing that the party "did not respect the findings on Mari, where 13 people died, and condemned the findings on the destruction of the economy."
He went on to cite cases that, he said, are linked to AKEL, including the issue of CYTA's Provident Fund and the Dromolaxia case, noting that the party "does not respect court rulings when they concern its own people."
Koulla also said: "We will not allow AKEL to destabilise the country in order to wash away its rejection by society, with its only, ruthless, aim being to return to power."
Elsewhere in the statement, he stressed that, unlike AKEL, DISY considers the findings to deserve respect, and is calling for all lawful procedures to be followed as swiftly as possible, with the appointment of independent investigators, a clear timeline, and the use of every investigative tool available.
Concluding, Koulla reiterated that "given its sinful track record, we will not take lessons from AKEL."
