controversial video — controversial video — Nicosia has recently been alerted to hybrid threats as it prepares to take on the Presidency of the Council of the European Union, according to Deputy Government Spokesman Yiannis Antoniou.
In a statement made on state radio, Antoniou discussed a video that has come to public attention, describing it as a “combination of real footage with edited sound and image.” He expressed concerns over the video’s authenticity, suggesting it contains serious indications of malicious and bad-faith editing, indicative of organised propaganda.
Antoniou elaborated on the implications of the video, particularly regarding its portrayal of the President of the Republic. He stated that he represents only the President and emphasised that should any reprehensible actions be proven against his Office Director, Charalambos Charalambous, the President would not hesitate to take action. “Charalambous will cease to be by the President’s side,” he asserted.
The Deputy Spokesman defended the integrity of the President, arguing that the attack is focused on his most valuable characteristic—his honesty. Antoniou urged anyone with credible evidence against the President to bring it forward to the appropriate authorities for investigation.
Antoniou also cautioned against hasty conclusions, noting that the Republic of Cyprus, now on the brink of its EU Presidency, faces a challenging atmosphere. He described it as unfortunate that individuals are quick to adopt the video’s content without awaiting the outcome of an ongoing investigation into its authenticity.
