Attorney-general George Savvides has announced he will not prosecute former auditor-general Odysseas Michaelides for alleged contempt of court, despite having sufficient evidence to proceed. This decision was made in light of Michaelides’ dismissal from his position last year, following a unanimous ruling by the Supreme Constitutional Court.
- In a related development, Michaelides has recently launched a new political party named ‘Alma’, which translates to ‘leap’ in Greek, indicating his aspirations beyond his previous role.
In a detailed 1,000-word statement, Savvides explained that the investigation into Michaelides stemmed from comments he made during a television interview in May. Michaelides alleged that a close associate of President Nikos Christodoulides had prior knowledge of his impending dismissal. On social media, he further claimed that this associate knew about the court’s decision as early as July 2024.
Addressing the gravity of the situation, Savvides noted that while the state has a duty to protect the integrity of institutions and uphold freedom of expression, Michaelides’ allegations lacked credible evidence. The police had requested him to provide any substantiating information to assist in the investigation, but these claims were ultimately found to be unproven.
The attorney-general elaborated that the legal service conducted a thorough assessment of the case, determining that Michaelides’ statements could indeed meet the criteria for contempt of court. His allegations were seen as a direct attack on the impartiality of the judges, which Savvides described as a serious challenge to the judicial system’s independence.
Despite acknowledging the evidence suggesting contempt, Savvides opted not to pursue charges against Michaelides. He cited several factors influencing this decision, including the public backlash against Michaelides’ statements and his subsequent attempts to clarify or retract his allegations. This led Savvides to conclude that a public prosecution might exacerbate tensions and detract from the core issues surrounding the case.
In a bid to provide Michaelides with a ‘second chance’, Savvides issued a stern warning. He stated that any future unsubstantiated attacks on the justice system would not be tolerated. The importance of preserving the credibility and prestige of justice is paramount, he emphasised, highlighting that freedom of expression should not undermine institutional integrity.
Michaelides, who was appointed auditor-general in 2014 by former president Nicos Anastasiades, was dismissed by the Supreme Constitutional Court in September 2022. The court’s judgment was scathing, spanning 209 pages, and cited his repeated attempts to undermine the attorney-general’s legal opinions. Michaelides’ behaviour was deemed inappropriate for someone in his position, as he often overstepped the boundaries of his role.
Following the court’s ruling, Michaelides expressed his discontent, claiming that the decision effectively dismantled the audit service and democracy in Cyprus. He described it as a ‘black day’ for both the country and the office he once held.
In response, Savvides urged the public to respect judicial decisions, reinforcing the need for faith in the legal system. He highlighted the importance of upholding the integrity of the Republic’s institutions, cautioning against the dangers of losing trust in the courts.
In a related development, Michaelides has recently launched a new political party named ‘Alma’, which translates to ‘leap’ in Greek, indicating his aspirations beyond his previous role.
