Cyprus Times

Supreme Court Lifts Sykas' Immunity: 'Everyone is Equal Before the Law'

Published January 15, 2026, 14:11
Supreme Court Lifts Sykas' Immunity: 'Everyone is Equal Before the Law'

The Supreme Court unanimously decided to lift the parliamentary immunity of Nikos Sykas, a Member of Parliament for the Democratic Rally, paving the way for a full investigation into allegations of violence against his partner. The Court accepted the Attorney General's request, ruling that there were “genuine and serious reasons” of public interest and that the request was not politically motivated. The President of the Court, Katerina Stamatiou, emphasized the seriousness of the offenses under investigation and noted that there appeared to be no connection to the MP's political or parliamentary activities. The Court ruled that the permission should apply to all stages of the process, without requiring new permission at each stage. During his address, Nikos Sykas' lawyer, Christos Pourgourides, stated that he agreed with the principle that immunity should not be used as a “shield” against criminal acts unrelated to parliamentary duties. The Supreme Court's decision underscores the principle of equality before the law and the obligation of all citizens to be equal in the eyes of the law.