Criminal Investigator Andreas Paschalides responded on Thursday to criticism and public reactions that followed the handover of his Videogate report, accusing critics of an “attempt to distort” his conclusions for political expediency. He reiterated that he has recommended to the Attorney General the criminal prosecution of politically exposed and non-exposed persons for offences under the Council of Europe Convention on Criminalisation of Corruption.
In a statement, Paschalides said he decided to speak out because he identified an “attempt to distort” his findings aimed at serving political expediency, as well as an affront to his dignity, adding that he had not intended to make any public comment.
He went on to clarify that his role was strictly that of Criminal Investigator, operating under specific terms of reference, and not that of an Investigative Committee, saying some refuse to recognise this “whether out of ignorance, confusion, or deliberately.”
He also rejected criticism that he failed to examine the political or moral dimensions of the case, noting that this fell outside his mandate as Criminal Investigator.
On the non-publication of the report, he said he would have no objection to it being made public once all investigations had concluded, explaining that releasing it now could violate the presumption of innocence should criminal prosecutions follow.
Regarding the July 20 handover date, Paschalides said it was dictated by his terms of reference, which expired that day, adding that further delay would have meant unjustifiably extending an investigation that was already finished.
Paschalides said his report concludes, on the basis of the evidence, that no provisions of the Criminal Code have been violated. He added, however, that after assessing the testimony and relevant case law, he concluded there has been a violation of the Council of Europe Convention on Criminalisation of Corruption (Ratification) Law by such persons.
He pointed to that distinction as the basis for rejecting claims that his report “clears and absolves everyone and everything.” He asked what basis “some” have for that conclusion, given his finding that criminal offences had been committed by a number of such individuals and his recommendation that they face prosecution.
Paschalides also rejected suggestions that his appointment as Chairman of the Independent Authority for the Investigation of Allegations and Complaints Against the Police (IAIACAP) was the result of a deal with the President of the Republic.
“My appointment as IAIACAP Chairman was in no way a deal with the President,” he said. He added that he does not personally know the President and that there was no exchange involved. He noted that the appointment was made, as provided by legislation, on the recommendation of the Attorney General.
Concluding, Paschalides said the statement was issued “to put things in their proper perspective and safeguard my dignity and reputation,” adding that he had carried out his duties “without fear, passion or prejudice.”
“If anyone doubts this, let them speak now, otherwise let them be silent,” he said.
