On Monday, government spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis emphasized the constitutional principle of separating powers in response to growing demands for the dismissal of Deputy Attorney-General Savvas Angelides. These calls followed a European Court of Human Rights ruling criticizing how authorities handled a rape case involving a politician, which led to the court condemning Cyprus for violating multiple human rights articles.

Letymbiotis stated that the government fully supports and will implement the ECtHR’s decisions, especially in delicate cases such as sexual assault. He highlighted that President Nikos Christodoulides is actively pursuing reforms to modernize public institutions, including submitting 38 reform bills to parliament.

While he declined to say whether the president plans to meet with or request Angelides’ resignation, Letymbiotis reiterated the government’s commitment to respecting the independence of legal institutions as outlined in the constitution.

The case in question began in 2021, concerning an alleged rape that occurred in 2011. The ECtHR ruled that the woman’s complaint was mishandled, ordering the state to pay her compensation. Following the ruling, the woman publicly called for Angelides to resign, accusing him of sexism and failing to uphold her rights.

Political parties and the Alma movement echoed calls for accountability, urging the president to act to restore public trust. Alma stated that if Angelides and the attorney-general do not step down, the president should initiate constitutional procedures for their removal.