Legal Service Responds to Anti-Corruption Authority’s Timing and Announcement
In a recent development that has caught the attention of the legal community, the Legal Service has raised questions about the timing of an announcement made by the anti-corruption authority. The announcement in question pertains to a divide that has emerged surrounding former drug squad chief Michalis Katsounotos. The Legal Service has traditionally refrained from engaging in public discourse, but the circumstances have compelled it to address the issue openly.
The controversy began when Katsounotos was summoned by the Anti-Corruption Authority as part of an investigation into alleged conflicts of interest involving Deputy Attorney-General Savvas Angelides. Katsounotos declined to answer questions, citing no obligation to do so. This refusal led to suggestions by legal experts at the anti-corruption authority that he might be criminally liable. However, the Legal Service opted not to initiate proceedings against him, sparking reactions from both the authority and members of parliament.
The Legal Service expressed “surprise and concern” over the content and timing of the anti-corruption authority’s statement, noting that the authority had been aware of its decision since February 26. It also accused the authority of being selective in the correspondence it referenced. Despite these issues, the Legal Service emphasized its view of the anti-corruption authority as a “natural ally” in combating corruption and expressed a desire for a meeting to discuss differing legal opinions and approaches to the matter at hand.
It is important to note that the Legal Service clarified that the differences in opinion have arisen specifically over Katsounotos’ case, contrary to what might be inferred from the anti-corruption authority’s announcement. This clarification came in light of comments made by Anti-Corruption Authority head Harris Poyiadjis before the House ethics committee, underscoring the importance of compliance with legal requirements during investigations.
