The police’s crime investigation department (CID) is probing statements made by former auditor-general Odysseas Michaelides on May 20. These relate to the Supreme Court’s decision that led to his dismissal as auditor-general.

According to a report on Philenews, investigators in Nicosia have already contacted several individuals for questioning. Journalists are among those called to give statements. Some testimonies have reportedly already been taken.

Michaelides is currently under investigation for a possible offence. It is unclear whether the police launched the inquiry following a formal complaint or on their initiative.

Police spokeswoman Kyriaki Lambrianidou confirmed that an investigation is underway regarding contempt of court linked to Michaelides’ controversial remarks.

“We are investigating the offence of contempt of court concerning statements made by Odysseas Michaelides,” she said, declining to provide further details.

Michaelides, in an interview on Omega TV’s show Aichmes on May 20, told journalist Sotiris Paroutis that a close associate of the president knew in advance about the Supreme Court’s unanimous ruling.

On the same day, Michaelides posted on the social media platform “X”, saying: “President Christodoulides is hiding, but was part of the process. A close aide knew from July 2024, before final arguments, that the Supreme Court’s decision would be unanimous.”

The following day, May 21, Justice Minister Marios Hartsiotis and the Supreme Court responded sharply. Hartsiotis urged Michaelides to present any evidence supporting his claims.

“This is a serious allegation involving top state institutions,” he said.

He called on Michaelides “to submit any evidence or other material to the competent authorities, given the gravity of the claims.”

The Supreme Court issued a statement noting that Michaelides had accused the court’s council of corruption and undue conduct related to the known ruling. 

The statement stressed: 

“Given the seriousness of the matter, all evidence allegedly held by Michaelides must be immediately forwarded to the competent state authorities for prompt examination.”

On 21 May, police investigators visited Michaelides. He did not provide any evidence, citing the need to protect his source. 

“Yesterday, I reaffirmed in writing to the police the public statements I made on Aichmes, protecting my source as I did during my ten years as auditor-general. I also stated that, after consulting my lawyer, I am considering informing the European Court of Human Rights on the matter as part of an existing application,” Michaelides said.

“It is striking how swiftly and decisively the Christodoulides government, the Supreme Court, and the attorney-general have responded to a public statement that politically embarrasses the president. I hope the same determination will be shown on serious issues of corruption and collusion affecting our country. Cyprus needs clean politicians, not PR tricks and hypocritical behaviour. As I said after my dismissal, I am now free to speak,” he added.