The Supreme Court has unanimously decided to lift the parliamentary immunity of DISY MP Nikos Syka, following today’s hearing, ruling that the conditions for the continuation of the criminal investigation are met. According to the Court’s decision, the offences under investigation are considered serious and are not related to the exercise of the MP’s parliamentary duties.
The defence, represented by the MP’s lawyer Christos Pourgourides, did not object to the lifting of immunity. However, it raised a number of concerns which, as noted, should be taken into account.
Among other points, the defence referred to the use of the term “victim” prior to the issuance of a conviction, the position of the complainant, who is reported to have withdrawn the complaint and does not wish to testify, and the possibility of proving the alleged offences without her testimony.
On the other hand, the Legal Service argued that the constitutional and legal requirements for lifting parliamentary immunity are fulfilled, stressing that at this stage the Court does not examine the sufficiency of the evidence but solely whether the request is lawful and properly substantiated.
Awaiting the Decision from Pindarou
On Monday, the Democratic Rally (DISY) decided to postpone discussions on whether MP Nikos Syka will remain on the party’s candidate list for the next parliamentary elections, pending the completion of the Supreme Court proceedings regarding the request to lift his immunity.
DISY Statement
In its statement on the matter, DISY said:
“The Democratic Rally supports the immediate limitation of parliamentary immunity strictly within the framework of the exercise of parliamentary duties. Experience to date shows that immunity cannot cover serious criminal offences. For this reason, the Democratic Rally actively and clearly supports regulating this issue prior to the next parliamentary elections. Equality before the law, transparency, and accountability are fundamental principles of democracy.”