The House institutions committee will convene an extraordinary session next Friday to review the implications of the Videogate fallout, following the release of independent investigator Andreas Paschalides’ report.
Committee chairman and Disy MP Demetris Demetriou called for the meeting after Paschalides concluded that no criminal offences had been identified in relation to the affair. In a public statement, Paschalides remarked that many individuals involved in the video incident were merely engaging in “bluster” aimed at generating publicity rather than showcasing any evidence of wrongdoing.
The need for transparency regarding the investigator’s findings has become a focal point of discussion among various political factions. Alma MP Irene Charalambides has insisted that parliament should be granted access to the full findings, stressing that the House possesses the authority to request these documents.
Earlier discussions revealed that the Akel party is pushing for the findings to be disclosed through the institutions committee. They have accused the government of attempting to evade accountability. “The attempt to exonerate the Christodoulides government through the investigator’s findings constitutes a crude mockery of the citizens,” said parliamentary spokesman Giorgos Loukaides. He emphasised that making the complete report public is essential for effective parliamentary oversight.
In response, Disy has also advocated for a thorough examination of the case through institutional channels. They have urged the legal service to scrutinise the investigator’s report to ascertain whether it reveals any potential criminal offences and whether the findings can be released without jeopardising ongoing investigations.
Disy highlighted the importance of separating legal accountability from political accountability, citing recent resignations, including that of the director of the president’s office and the First Lady’s resignation from the presidency of the Social Support Agency. The party stated, “We do not choose findings, nor do we interpret them as we please, depending on whether they concern our own people or political opponents.”
Amidst this political discourse, Alma has reiterated its demand for the full report’s publication, arguing that Paschalides did not adequately address critical questions surrounding the case. These include inquiries related to the Vasiliko power station project and a prior Audit Office report concerning its development. The party has called on Attorney General George Savvides to clarify what actions have been taken regarding the Audit Office report submitted last year.
Additionally, lawyer Antonis Demetriou, representing the intelligence firm Black Cube, has refuted Paschalides’ assertion that the incident was part of a hybrid attack against Cyprus. Demetriou reiterated the company’s stance that it had never worked for governments or political parties. He insisted that the video material provided to investigators was authentic, although he acknowledged that edited excerpts had surfaced online.
As the extraordinary session approaches, the committee faces mounting pressure from various political groups to deliver greater accountability and transparency regarding the findings of the Videogate investigation.
