AKEL criticizes government and DISY regarding Ayia Napa mayor's legal case

The political party AKEL has issued a statement criticizing the Cypriot government and the DISY party over the ongoing criminal case of the mayor of Ayia Napa-Sotira, Christos Zannettou. The mayor faces serious charges of forgery and obtaining money under false pretenses related to European funds. AKEL highlights that the trial, which began in February 2025, has been postponed six consecutive times. The opposition party argues that, regardless of the presumption of innocence, the mayor should not remain in office while standing trial before the Assize Court. Furthermore, AKEL accuses the administration of President Nikos Christodoulides of making a political decision not to suspend the mayor from his duties. They claim this reflects favorable treatment and undermines public trust in judicial institutions. The government and the mayor have not yet issued a specific rebuttal to these latest allegations in the provided texts.