The publication of the findings by criminal investigator Andreas Paschalides in the VideoGate case has prompted renewed debate, with several lawyers arguing that key questions remain unanswered, while the government has defended both the investigation and the investigator's reappointment.
Legal experts Simos Angelides, Christos Clerides and Andreas Christou told the Cyprus News Agency (CNA) that the published announcement leaves significant gaps regarding alleged corruption-related issues, the treatment of video evidence and the legal reasoning behind the conclusions. At the same time, Government Spokesperson Konstantinos Letymbiotis said the administration respects the findings and supports continued efforts to identify those responsible for producing the controversial video.
Lawyers call for greater transparency
A common theme in the reactions of all three lawyers was the call for greater disclosure of the evidence and reasoning behind the investigator's conclusions.
Simos Angelides said public confidence and transparency could only be fully restored through publication of the complete report and supporting evidence.
He questioned how the findings concluded that no criminal offences arose from conduct that the investigator himself reportedly described as exaggeration or boasting intended to secure personal financial gain.
Mr Angelides also raised questions regarding references to possible influence peddling and lobbying legislation, arguing that the published announcement leaves uncertainty about how those issues were assessed.
Questions over evidence and legal conclusions
Christos Clerides described the announcement as "general, vague and unclear," arguing that transparency is a constitutional obligation.
He said the announcement confirms the authenticity of conversations recorded in the video but, in his view, does not adequately explain why no wrongdoing was identified.
Among the issues highlighted by Mr Clerides were:
- The conclusion that the published footage was edited, without detailed explanation of the nature of the editing.
- References to alleged financial benefits obtained by certain individuals.
- Questions surrounding campaign donations and the fund linked to the First Lady.
- The basis for conclusions regarding an alleged hybrid attack targeting Cyprus.
He argued that the findings present conclusions without sufficiently setting out the evidence and reasoning that led to them.
Focus on corruption-related issues
Lawyer Andreas Christou said the announcement still leaves vulnerable points and unanswered questions, particularly concerning possible corruption-related matters.
He argued that describing remarks as "empty talk" or "boasting" does not in itself address whether any issues arise under anti-corruption legislation.
Mr Christou also questioned the explanation regarding video editing, saying the public has not been informed whether investigators reviewed the full footage, how the editing was assessed or whether excerpts seen by the public accurately reflected the original context of the conversations.
While not insisting on publication of the entire report, he said the announcement should at least have included a clearer explanation of the evidence reviewed, the allegations examined and the reasoning behind the conclusions.
Government open to publication
Speaking on ANT1 Cyprus, Government Spokesperson Konstantinos Letymbiotis said the government does not oppose the publication of the findings.
However, he stressed that the decision does not fall within the government's authority.
"It is not within our jurisdiction," he said, adding that any further disclosure could help clarify issues surrounding the case.
Investigation into organisers continues
Mr Letymbiotis welcomed the intention of Andreas Paschalides to seek an extension of his mandate until December.
According to the government spokesperson, the priority remains identifying the individual or individuals behind the production of the video.
He said the government would await the outcome of the ongoing investigation and hopes the matter can be fully clarified.
No return for former presidential aide
The spokesperson also ruled out any return of former Presidential Office Director Charalambos Charalambous.
Mr Letymbiotis said Mr Charalambous did not step down because of an admission of wrongdoing, but to protect the integrity of the institutional process while the investigation was under way.
Government defends Paschalides
Responding to criticism over the reappointment of Mr Paschalides, the government spokesperson rejected suggestions that the investigator may have been influenced.
Mr Letymbiotis said critics should clearly state whether they are alleging that the investigation lacked independence or objectivity.
He also noted that Mr Paschalides had initially been appointed through a separate institutional process and had carried out his work as an independent criminal investigator.
Political reactions
Mr Letymbiotis also criticised reactions from opposition parties following the publication of the findings, saying the government would continue to respect the process and the conclusions reached through the investigation.
According to the spokesperson, the administration remains committed to allowing the investigative process to run its course while awaiting the completion of remaining inquiries related to the case.
Source: CNA
