Warning over election of Cypriot ECHR judge
Lawyer Dr Christos Clerides has raised concerns over a potential institutional deviation in the election of Cyprus’s judge to the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR).
In a public statement, Clerides refers to serious risks surrounding the procedure for the selection of the Cypriot judge, with interviews scheduled for 12 January 2026.
Intervention addressed to Council of Europe officials
According to the statement, Clerides is acting as legal representative for Senior District Court Judge X. Xenophontos and Cyprus’s first European Public Prosecutor K. Loizou. He formally places responsibility on senior officials of the Council of Europe, regarding the election process.
The intervention is addressed to the President of the Parliamentary Assembly Theodoros Roussopoulos, the Chair of the Committee on the Election of Judges Petra Bayr, and the Secretary General Despina Chatzivassiliou-Tsovilis.
According to Clerides, the issues raised point to unprecedented practices that undermine judicial independence, as well as the credibility and integrity of the European Court of Human Rights.
Allegations of misrepresentation of academic qualifications
The statement refers to serious allegations concerning the possible misrepresentation of academic qualifications by a promoted candidate. Clerides claims that the candidate declared a specialisation in human rights that did not exist in the relevant degree from the University of Strasbourg.
He notes that there is substantial evidence from the university itself and that competent officials are prepared to provide official information on the matter.
Claims of political interference and unequal treatment
Clerides also alleges the dominance of the executive branch and political figures in the selection process, as well as what he describes as unacceptable and retaliatory treatment of a judicial officer.
Additionally, reference is made to the withdrawal of a Supreme Court judge’s candidacy, accompanied by complaints of political interference. According to the statement, these complaints were not forwarded to the competent bodies of the Council of Europe.
Further concerns include alleged arbitrary intervention by Cyprus’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs in candidates’ CVs and the use of differing standards, creating conditions of unequal treatment and favouritism.
Call for suspension of the procedure
Clerides calls on the leadership of the Council of Europe to act responsibly and to suspend the election process until all allegations are fully investigated.
“The safeguarding of the ECHR’s name is a duty for all,” he concludes, stressing that the Court must not operate under “a shadow of doubt” caused by domestic arbitrariness and political expediency.
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