Nicosia community leader removed after five-year delay following criminal conviction

The Nicosia District Administration has initiated the removal of a community leader, nearly five years after he was convicted of malicious damage. The individual, who received his criminal sentence on December 3, 2021, remained in his position despite the conviction. Furthermore, he was permitted to stand for re-election in 2024, successfully securing a new term in office, a situation attributed to procedural errors and lack of coordination between the Nicosia District Administration and the Legal Service.

Following a lengthy wait for legal guidance, the District Administration has now notified the Ministry of Interior, resulting in the immediate suspension of the official. Under Article 113 of the Municipalities Law in Cyprus, an elected official convicted of an offense involving moral turpitude is automatically disqualified from holding office. The oversight regarding this conviction has drawn criticism for the delay in enforcing the legal mandate. The case remains under public scrutiny as authorities move to finalize the removal process.