The criminal investigator who prepared the video gate report has rejected criticism and public commentary surrounding his findings, accusing some of attempting to distort his conclusions for political purposes.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Andreas Paschalides said he felt compelled to respond after witnessing what he described as efforts to misrepresent his report and undermine his professional integrity.
He stressed that he had recommended to the Attorney General that criminal prosecutions be pursued against politically exposed and non-politically exposed individuals for offences under Cyprus’ law implementing the Council of Europe Criminal Law Convention on Corruption.
Clarifies his role and scope of investigation
Paschalides said his role was strictly that of a Criminal Investigator operating under specific terms of reference, rather than that of an Investigative Committee.
He argued that some critics had failed to recognise this distinction, whether through ignorance, confusion or deliberately.
Addressing criticism over the fact that the report has not been published, Paschalides said he would not object to its release once all investigations had concluded. However, he warned that publication at this stage could breach the presumption of innocence if criminal prosecutions are ultimately filed.
He also dismissed claims that he had failed to examine the political or ethical aspects of the case, saying such issues fell outside his mandate.
Why the report was submitted on 20 July
Responding to criticism over the timing of the report’s submission on 20 July, Paschalides said the date was dictated by his terms of reference, which expired that day.
He added that any delay would have required an unjustified extension of an investigation that had already been completed.
Criminal Code not breached, corruption law may apply
According to Paschalides, his video gate report concludes that no provisions of the Criminal Code were violated.
However, after evaluating the evidence and relevant case law, he said he found grounds to conclude that offences under the law ratifying the Council of Europe Criminal Law Convention on Corruption may have been committed by politically exposed and non-politically exposed persons.
He questioned how some commentators had concluded that his findings cleared everyone involved despite his recommendation for criminal prosecutions.
Rejects allegations over appointment
Paschalides also rejected suggestions that his appointment as President of the Independent Authority for the Investigation of Allegations and Complaints Against the Police was the result of a political deal with President Nikos Christodoulides.
He said he does not personally know the President and insisted there had been no exchange or agreement. He added that his appointment followed the procedure set out in the law after a recommendation by the Attorney General.
Concluding his statement, Paschalides said he had carried out his duties “without fear, passion or prejudice” and issued the statement to protect his reputation and present the facts accurately.
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