DISY MP Nikos Sykas told police he neither struck nor threatened his former partner during hours of questioning this week, after the Supreme Court stripped away his parliamentary immunity.
Sykas gave detailed testimony at Limassol’s investigative unit, answering questions about allegations his former partner made after returning from Athens, according to Philenews. She accused him of violence on New Year’s Eve in the Greek capital but withdrew her complaint three days later.
The Supreme Court lifted the Limassol MP’s immunity last Thursday at the Attorney General’s request, ruling sufficient grounds existed for the move.
Police questioned Sykas under caution as a suspect in four offences: violence, psychological violence, assault causing actual bodily harm, and threat.
Assistant Attorney General Savvas Angelides told the Supreme Court the woman’s withdrawal changes nothing. She cited psychological stress from publicity because Sykas is an MP, but police will press ahead with their investigation.
Investigators will question people Sykas named in his testimony and are waiting for evidence from Athens. Once complete, the case goes to the Law Office for review.
The immunity waiver covers both the investigation and any criminal prosecution that follows.
Meanwhile, Sykas is fighting his party over the May parliamentary elections. DISY’s Political Bureau voted to drop him from the Limassol ballot, and sources say he’ll challenge the decision in the Supreme Court if the party’s Supreme Council backs it.
Sykas argues the presumption of innocence applies and the party must follow its own constitution. His circle says he believes no one has been dropped from a ballot before without a substantiated decision.
