AKEL party calls for suspension of Ayia Napa Mayor Christos Zannettou amid criminal trial

The Famagusta District Committee of the AKEL party has officially requested that the Minister of Interior suspend the Mayor of Ayia Napa, Christos Zannettou, from his duties until the conclusion of ongoing criminal proceedings against him. The party argues that it is inappropriate for a public official to remain in office while standing trial before the Permanent Criminal Court of Famagusta for serious criminal charges.

The trial, which follows two years of delays and six postponements, commenced on September 15 and 16, 2026, with the next court session scheduled for September 28. Mayor Zannettou faces five criminal charges, including forgery, circulation of forged documents, obtaining money under false pretenses, submission of false statements by a company official, and money laundering. The defendant has entered a plea of not guilty to all charges.

While emphasizing respect for the presumption of innocence, AKEL is questioning why an active mayor currently facing trial at the Criminal Court continues to exercise his municipal powers. The party maintains that his suspension should have been a standard procedure given the gravity of the allegations, noting that this situation is unprecedented for an elected official in Cyprus.