The appointment of Christos Mylonopoulos as one of the five criminal investigators tasked with examining possible criminal offences or liabilities arising from the findings of the Independent Authority Against Corruption’s report concerning the allegations presented in journalist Makarios Drousiotis’ book Mafia State has sparked reactions.
The criticism focuses on the fact that Mr. Mylonopoulos previously represented Michalis Zolotas as a lawyer in the Focus case, which is among the issues brought back into the spotlight by the report. Mr. Mylonopoulos said he will not take part in the investigation relating to that specific case and that he accepted his appointment on that condition.
There were also reactions to the decision of the Attorney General and the Deputy Attorney General to recuse themselves from the process of evaluating the report and making decisions based on its findings.
He also stated that he was invited to join the investigative team by Vassilios Skouris, the former President of the Court of Justice of the European Union, who was also appointed by the Council of Ministers. According to reports, more than 40 people were approached before the appointments were finalized, but many declined to take on the role.
Lawyer Simos Angelides argued that the appointment creates a conflict of interest and proposed either replacing Mr. Mylonopoulos or continuing the investigation with four investigators. He also stressed that the investigators’ terms of reference should be broad enough to allow them to examine any evidence that may emerge during the course of the investigation.
Πηγή: Καθημερινή Κύπρου
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