The Political Bureau of DISY is meeting this evening to take decisions regarding party MP Nikos Sykas, with indications pointing to his removal from the party’s electoral ticket for the upcoming parliamentary elections.
Political Bureau Meeting at 7pm
The Political Bureau of the Democratic Rally convenes today at 7pm to deliberate on the case of Nikos Sykas.
Although there had initially been an intention to hold the meeting earlier, the party leadership opted to wait for the decision of the Supreme Court of Cyprus on lifting the MP’s parliamentary immunity.
Following last Thursday’s ruling, which approved the lifting of Sykas’ immunity without objection from the MP himself, today’s meeting was scheduled.
Expected Removal from the Party Ballot
Based on the prevailing climate within the party, following allegations that Sykas exercised physical and psychological violence against his partner, the MP is expected, barring any unforeseen developments, to be removed from DISY’s ballot for the May parliamentary elections.
Should this decision be formally endorsed, the Political Bureau will also decide on his replacement. According to the party’s internal selection process, the first runners-up are Andreas Michailidis and Timis Efthymiou.
It is noted that DISY’s Executive Bureau has already unanimously agreed to adopt the proposal of party president Annita Demetriou to exclude Nikos Sykas from the electoral list.
Criminal Investigation Ongoing
On the criminal aspect of the case, the following offences are under investigation against Nikos Sykas:
- Exercise of violence, in violation of Article 3(1)(4) of the Law on Violence in the Family (Prevention and Protection of Victims) Law 119(I)/2000 and Article 5(1)(d) of the Criminal Code, Cap. 154.
- Exercise of psychological violence, in violation of Article 6 of the Law on the Prevention and Combating of Violence against Women and Domestic Violence and Related Matters Law 115(I)/2021 and Article 5(1)(d) of Cap. 154.
- Assault causing actual bodily harm, in violation of Articles 243(1) and 5(1)(d) of Cap. 154 and Article 5 of Law 115(I)/2021.
- Threats, in violation of Articles 9IA and 5(1)(d) of Cap. 154 and Article 5 of Law 115(I)/2021.
Police Continue Investigation Despite Withdrawal of Complaint
Despite the withdrawal of the complaint, the Cyprus Police is continuing its investigation based on the testimonial material already in its possession.
Once the investigative process is completed, the case file will be forwarded to the Legal Service of the Republic for further evaluation.