Controversy over police escort assignment for presidential commissioner Marios Hartsiotis

On September 24, 2026, the Cyprus Police will assign a two-officer security detail, consisting of a sub-inspector and a police officer, to provide protection for the Presidential Commissioner and former Minister of Justice, Marios Hartsiotis. The decision, authorized by Assistant Police Chief Marios Agiotis and supported by the Presidential Palace, was reportedly requested by Mr. Hartsiotis himself. This assignment has drawn significant public scrutiny due to its timing and the allocation of state resources.

The controversy is amplified by the fact that the Ministry of Justice, under Minister Kostas Fytiris, recently ordered the removal of police guards for several former officials, including former House Presidents Marios Garoyian, Demetris Syllouris, and Yiannakis Omirou, as well as former First Ladies Androulla Vassiliou and Elsie Christofia, effective October 5. Critics are questioning whether the assignment for Mr. Hartsiotis is based on genuine security necessity or if it serves to enhance his personal status.

Additionally, Mr. Hartsiotis is currently under investigation by the Audit Office regarding the alleged unauthorized use of a state-owned vehicle for personal travel between his office and his residence in Limassol. Authorities maintain that the police escort is a protective measure, although the discrepancy in policy regarding security details continues to fuel public debate.