Justice Minister outlines anti-crime and reform agenda to parliamentary committee

Justice Minister Costas Fytiris addressed the House Legal Affairs Committee on Wednesday to outline a legislative agenda focused on combating organized crime and reforming the justice system. The minister announced upcoming legislation for the confiscation of assets lacking justification through legitimate income, aligned with EU directives due by 2027. Discussions covered the revival of telephone surveillance legislation, with Fytiris promising to seek consensus before any vote. The government is also pushing for a vote on 38 pending bills regarding reforms of the Law Office of the Republic and oversight of the Attorney General. A contentious debate occurred regarding juvenile detention, where AKEL MP Andreas Pasiourtidhis accused the state of failing to implement mandatory separate detention laws for four years. The government confirmed a specialized anti-crime police unit is operationally ready. Additionally, the ministry plans to submit 10 further bills to parliament in the coming months.