The Supreme Constitutional Court delivers its verdict today in Judge Doria Varoshiotou’s challenge against her dismissal from the judiciary.
Judge Doria Varoshiotou appealed the termination of her services by the Supreme Judicial Council, bringing the case to the Supreme Constitutional Court. She also asked the court to refer legal questions to the European Court of Justice and to remove two judges from her case, but the court rejected both requests.
Judicial appointment and termination
Doria Varoshiotou joined the judiciary as a District Judge on 1 July 2023, serving at the Limassol District Court. In June 2025, the Supreme Judicial Council decided against confirming her appointment, citing that she did not meet the required criteria. Her early dismissal sparked controversy, as her name had been linked to the criminal inquiry into Thanasis Nikolaou’s death, the first case to rule the death resulted from a criminal act.
Forensic expert Panikos Stavrianou challenged the decision. Although the Supreme Court acknowledged certain legal issues, including his exclusion from the criminal inquiry, it did not annul the ruling.
Challenge before the Supreme Constitutional Court
Varoshiotou’s petition revealed correspondence with the Supreme Court, a meeting she held in Limassol with two senior judges, and alleged interventions she faced before the Nikolaou case ruling. Her lawyer, Achilleas Demetriades, argued that Cypriot law provides no procedure for terminating judicial appointments and does not define a probation period. He also questioned whether the dismissal aligned with Cyprus’ international obligations and European law.
Government’s defence
Lawyer Polys Polyviou, representing the Supreme Court, said the council acted within the law. He stressed that Varoshiotou knew from the start that her appointment included a two-year probation period.
Also read: Varosiotou- Judicial council delays ruling on judge’s dismissal appeal
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