Cyprus government appoints investigators for 'Mafia State' report case

The Cypriot cabinet has appointed a five-member team of criminal investigators to examine the Anti-Corruption Authority’s report regarding potential criminal liability of officials in the so-called 'Mafia State' case. The team, which includes two Greek and three Cypriot experts, is headed by former European Court of Justice president Vassilios Skouris. Other members include Christos Mylonopoulos, Sotiris Liasidis, Nicolas Koursaris, and Dimitris Tsolakidis. The appointment comes 16 days after the report was released and is intended to span six months, with provisions for extensions and police support. Controversies have emerged regarding a conflict of interest involving Christos Mylonopoulos, who previously worked on the 'Focus' case, leading to his recusal from that specific segment of the inquiry. The government maintains that these appointments were transparent and taken in good faith. However, the AKEL party has criticized the move, calling for the resignation of Attorney General Savvides and his deputy Angelides, claiming they maintain a conflict of interest in overseeing the investigation. Meanwhile, the DISY and DIKO parties have welcomed the appointment as a positive step, while emphasizing the need for a thorough and transparent process.