nicos sykas — DISY MP Nicos Sykas has been removed from the party’s electoral list following serious allegations of domestic violence made by his partner. Annita Demetriou, President of the Democratic Rally, announced this decision in a statement on Sunday, emphasising the party’s commitment to a policy of “zero tolerance” towards violence, especially against women.
Demetriou highlighted that such allegations contradict the core values of the conservative party. While she acknowledged Sykas’s right to a presumption of innocence, she called on him to voluntarily relinquish his parliamentary immunity to allow for an unimpeded police investigation.
The move comes after the Limassol Criminal Investigation Department began an inquiry into the matter. A woman approached police headquarters on Sunday to report that Sykas had physically assaulted her while they were on holiday in Greece a few days prior. After returning to Cyprus, she underwent a medical examination and subsequently filed an official complaint.
According to Article 83 of the Constitution, no member of the House of Representatives can be prosecuted or arrested without the Supreme Court’s approval. As such, law enforcement officials confirmed that the investigation file is set to be submitted to the Law Office on Monday. The Attorney General will then determine if there is adequate evidence to request the Supreme Court to lift Sykas’s immunity, which would enable police to formally question him.
In a brief statement issued on Sunday evening, Sykas expressed his “shock” at the allegations and categorically denied the complaint. He indicated that he is prepared to cooperate with authorities to clear his name.
