Cyprus' Top Court Removes Comptroller General for Misconduct in Historic Ruling

Cyprus' Supreme Constitutional Court has removed Comptroller General Odysseas Michaelides for misconduct and interfering with the judiciary. In a historic ruling, the court deemed Michaelides' actions improper and unbecoming, highlighting his ongoing feud with the Attorney General. Michaelides claims the ruling undermines free speech and anti-corruption efforts.

In a landmark decision, Cyprus' Supreme Constitutional Court has removed Comptroller General Odysseas Michaelides from his post for alleged misconduct and interference with the judiciary. This ruling marks the first of its kind in the Mediterranean island nation's 64-year history.

The eight-judge panel, in a detailed 209-page judgement, stated that Michaelides had 'violated boundaries' of his role and exhibited 'behaviour unbecoming' of his office. These actions included improper interventions in ongoing legal cases, baseless accusations against the attorney general's office, and conduct that endangered the rule of law.

The ruling is the culmination of a long-standing conflict between Michaelides and Attorney General George Savvides, who, along with his deputy, brought the case to court. The judgment is binding for Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides, and government spokesman Constantinos Letymbiotis confirmed its enforcement.

Despite the court's decision, Michaelides, who has been a contentious figure over his decade-long tenure, stated that he felt wronged. He argued that while he made mistakes, his actions did not justify the court's severe ruling. He also claimed that there was a deliberate effort by the government to oust him, thereby undermining the public's desire to combat corruption and impairing free speech.

(With inputs from agencies.)