Disciplinary investigations against trade unionist policeman Nikos Loizides were suspended on Friday, following a decision by police chief Themistos Arnaoutis.

Loizides was informed of the developments as he went to attend the proceedings. He faced four disciplinary investigations over statements he made against the police force in his capacity as trade union leader – head of Isotita.

Nonetheless, Loizides served as a police officer simultaneously and the former police leadership argued he crossed the line as a member of the force.

Remarks that annoyed the police leadership included that the police force was at a deadlock regarding its operation and reorganisation.

The indictment refers to inappropriate and damaging remarks, which discredited the police force. Loizides’ statements were made over a period of nine months, from November 2023 to August 2024.

Disciplinary investigations began in March on instructions by the legal service and were all suspended on Friday.

Loizides called it a “historic decision” and pledged that both Arnaoutis and himself as union leader would work towards their responsibility “to make a better police force for the good of citizens and for a better future of this country.”

Asked if he would be more careful in his statements in the future, Loizides said the word ‘careful’ or the notion of reducing Isotita’s responsibilities towards defending police officers does not exist in their vocabulary.

“What we have is unity for police officers.” He said so far he had three meetings with the police chief and his deputy.

“We had disagreements and we will have disagreements. But that does not stop us from separating our roles that we are unionists and they have the task of leading the force.

“We make suggestions for the good of the police and for the country.”

Loizides pledged he was ready to move forward. “Police is going through a restructuring phase. Though the largest weight of responsibility may fall on the leadership, a proper union has a duty to submit suggestions every single day and stand by their colleagues.”

Though he said disagreements were inevitable in the collaboration “they are part of the game.”

Isotita issued its own statement, expressing its satisfaction over the development.