AKEL demands reopening of black van surveillance case

The AKEL party has launched a fierce campaign against the Legal Service and the Cypriot government, labeling the infamous 'black van' surveillance case a massive institutional corruption scandal. Party Secretary General Stefanos Stefanou alleges that the van, which was equipped with mass surveillance and interception technology, operated with the full knowledge of state authorities and officials. Despite evidence presented to Parliament and the courts, the Legal Service previously suspended the prosecution of those involved, citing vague 'public interest' grounds.

Recent developments have escalated tensions, as the Anti-Corruption Authority reported that the Legal Service prevented it from further investigating the matter. AKEL claims this reflects a recurring pattern of cover-ups and obstruction of justice within the judicial system. The party is now formally demanding that the case be reopened, the official report by investigator Ilias Stefanou be made public, and that all aspects of the alleged institutional complicity during the Anastasiades-DISY government administration be thoroughly examined. Stefanou has further challenged the current Christodoulides administration, suggesting that those unable to ensure an independent investigation should resign.