Legal expert Achilleas Demetriades described the government’s decision to request assistance from the FBI in the investigation of the Santy case as welcome but ultimately a half measure, stressing that an independent criminal investigator should also have been appointed.
Speaking to CNA, Demetriades said that although the involvement of the FBI may provide support, the investigation will still take place under the supervision of officials who, according to critics, should have been removed to guarantee the independence of the inquiry.
“Whatever assistance the FBI provides will be under the supervision of people who allegedly should have been removed in order for the investigation to be independent. So it is welcome, but it is a half measure,” he said.
Independent Investigator Could Ensure Faster Inquiry
Asked whether the appointment of an independent criminal investigator could have led to a faster investigation, Demetriades said such a figure could have moved in a way that would allow the inquiry to proceed quickly and independently.
“Now whether it will move faster or slower because the FBI is coming, I cannot say. I cannot draw a conclusion,” he noted.
Public Trust In Institutions Still Weak
Demetriades also warned that the continuing public debate around the Santy case, especially during an election period, risks further damaging public confidence in institutions.
“The institutions have undoubtedly been further weakened by this whole affair,” he said, adding that the issue should be examined on two levels: the broader question of the rule of law, and the specific developments surrounding the case itself.
At a general level, he said the trust of the average citizen in institutions has not been restored, and the absence of an independent criminal investigator does not help rebuild that confidence.
Confusion And Institutional Doubt
Referring to the ongoing developments in the case, Demetriades said the public is facing a flood of conflicting claims, making it difficult for people outside the investigation to understand what is happening.
“One side says one thing, another says the exact opposite. It is very difficult for someone not involved in the case to know the truth,” he said.
Ultimately, he added, the courts will decide the outcome, whether the search warrant issued in the case is annulled or the investigation proceeds and leads to a criminal case.
However, Demetriades warned that the sense of justice among the public, as well as perceptions of the rule of law, institutional independence and effectiveness, are not helped by what he described as inaction and half measures.
Need For A Different Approach
Asked whether appointing an independent investigator would necessarily be the right solution, given that past independent investigative committees have also been criticised, Demetriades said he does not see an alternative.
“If we continue doing what does not produce results, then obviously we will not get results,” he said.
He argued that a different approach is needed, one that ensures independence and credibility, so that the public can believe that the final outcome reflects the truth.
“With this tsunami of developments, people are confused and are questioning the institutions. That is the major issue,” he concluded.