Antonis Liatsos comments on judicial credibility and corruption allegations

On August 9, 2026, the President of the Supreme Constitutional Court of Cyprus, Antonis Liatsos, addressed concerns regarding the erosion of public trust in the judiciary. In an interview with 'O Phileleftheros', Liatsos acknowledged that a decline in judicial credibility harms the institution’s role as a guardian of the state, while emphasizing that no government function should be exempt from accountability.

Liatsos commented on recent reports involving judges, including findings from the Anti-Corruption Authority and the Santi case. He characterized these as distinct, unrelated matters currently undergoing separate legal processes. While calling for strict penalties for any judge found guilty by a court of law, he stressed the importance of respecting the presumption of innocence and ongoing judicial procedures. Reflecting on his 35-year tenure, he stated he had never personally encountered corruption within the judiciary, though he criticized the 'verbal cannibalism' and horizontal blaming directed at the institution.

The President underscored the need for systemic changes to address case backlogs and improve public confidence. He maintains that all individuals, including members of the judiciary, must remain equal before the law as investigations proceed.