A heated verbal exchange took place on Sigma’s Protoselido show between DISY’s Deputy Press Spokesperson, Fotini Tsiridou, and AKEL MP, Christos Christofides.
The argument centred on the investigations by the Independent Anti-Corruption Authority and the issue of inquiries raised by Mr Christofides regarding former President Anastasiades and the “golden passport” scandal.
Ms Tsiridou remarked that, as part of the investigation by the Independent Authority, some individuals attempted to extract information on specific cases, procedures, and final conclusions. “This is unacceptable, and some people have clearly learned nothing from the unanimous decision of the Supreme Court (regarding the case of Odysseas Michaelides), which highlighted the standards of public conduct. Under the former president, we established the Independent Anti-Corruption Authority, giving it the necessary powers to function.”
Addressing Ms Tsiridou, Mr Christofides responded by stating that he would not be silenced. “They’ve shown that they excel in scheming to destroy reputations. That doesn’t concern me. What I do is conscious, and I knew from the start what it meant to challenge such people and financial interests. Their threats won’t change my stance. My comments are based on public statements by the head of the Anti-Corruption Authority.”
He further noted that DISY’s mindset, in which they operate as though under an “authoritarian regime” where no one is allowed to speak, is not acceptable. “We will have our say, we’ll ask questions publicly, and no one can muzzle us. They need to realise that. I have both the right and duty to raise questions publicly.”
Among other points, Mr Christofides accused DISY of protecting Mr Anastasiades and “the storm of corruption.” He claimed that DISY, as an implicated party, is now pressuring the Anti-Corruption Authority. “I made specific complaints, and the Authority’s Head reiterates that Mr Anastasiades is not under investigation.”
Ms Tsiridou reiterated that they would not allow certain individuals to use the Authority for their “political purposes.” “If AKEL wants to protect institutions, it should respect the courts and the Authority, as we demand respect for the Legislative Power. It’s unthinkable for an Authority, which we appointed last year with effort, whose members were selected following AKEL’s recommendations, to be undermined just because AKEL isn’t satisfied with a specific outcome.”
She pointed out that the Authority is prohibited from disclosing procedural details, as this constitutes a criminal offence. “Right now, AKEL is bypassing procedure, discrediting Justice, and violating legal boundaries. It’s unacceptable that just because someone believes a crime was committed, they expect an Authority or Court to agree and insist.”
Mr Christofides responded with a sharp critique: “The only ‘decorum’ represented by Ms Tsiridou, Ms Annita, and other DISY leaders is that of a cemetery’s silence. They established an authoritarian dominance over all institutions under their governance, and international indicators show a significant rise in corruption over recent years, with the reasons clear to all.”
Ms Tsiridou closed by saying, “When arguments run out, name-calling begins.”
