Nikos Sykas, a Disy MP from Limassol, is preparing to file a civil lawsuit against his party following his exclusion from the election ballot. This decision comes amidst a criminal investigation concerning allegations of domestic violence, which has now been forwarded to the legal service.
The controversy began when Sykas’ partner filed a complaint regarding an alleged violent incident in Athens on New Year’s Eve. Although she later withdrew her allegation through a sworn statement, the police continued their investigation as they are mandated to do in suspected domestic violence cases.
Investigators from the Limassol police’s family violence unit recently travelled to Athens to gather statements from witnesses identified by both parties. The investigation has produced a comprehensive case file, which includes witness statements, photographic evidence, medical certificates, and forensic reports.
Sykas faces scrutiny for offences including physical and psychological violence, as well as assault causing actual bodily harm. Following the conclusion of the investigative stage, the case file was sent to the legal service last week, where it will be reviewed to determine whether criminal charges will be pursued.
Earlier this month, the supreme court lifted Sykas’ parliamentary immunity, allowing the investigation to proceed. In a statement to investigators at the Limassol criminal court, Sykas denied all allegations, asserting that he did not strike or threaten his partner.
In the wake of the allegations, Disy decided to remove Sykas from their ballot for the parliamentary elections scheduled for May, citing a strict zero-tolerance policy towards violence against women. Now, Sykas is poised to challenge this decision in court, claiming it was illegal.
His legal team intends to file a lawsuit at the district court, asserting that the party acted prematurely and violated fundamental principles of fairness. Christos Pourgourides, Sykas’ lawyer, stated that the decision was made “without first hearing the person concerned,” which he views as a misuse of the supreme court ruling regarding immunity. He emphasised that the court’s ruling merely permitted police to investigate, without assessing the validity of the allegations.
Disy’s leadership has publicly defended their actions, framing them as principled rather than punitive. Party leader and House president Annita Demetriou remarked that “violence of any kind is incompatible” with the values of Disy, while also underscoring the importance of presuming innocence until proven guilty.
Additionally, Disy’s Limassol branch has voiced support for the principle that “everyone is innocent until proven guilty,” cautioning against what they perceive as the exploitation of the situation by organised interests. They expressed their belief that judgment should rest within the justice system, not the court of public opinion.
The supreme court’s decision to lift Sykas’ immunity was based on the seriousness of the alleged offence and its lack of relation to his parliamentary duties. Authorities have reiterated that the withdrawal of a complaint does not automatically halt criminal proceedings in cases of alleged domestic violence.
In a public statement, Sykas vehemently denied the allegations against him and expressed concern over what he described as a public trial before any evidence has been evaluated. He questioned the rationale behind imposing a political sanction prior to the conclusion of judicial proceedings.
