Disy MP Nikos Sykas will be removed from the party’s ballot for the upcoming parliamentary elections, the party announced on Monday after abuse allegations were made by his wife in a police report.

The decision was taken during an emergency meeting of Disy’s executive office, which adopted a proposal put forward by party president and House speaker Annita Demetriou.

“As president of Disy, I declare with absolute clarity that there is no tolerance for allegations of violence. We fully respect justice and the presumption of innocence, but the investigation must be carried out immediately,” Demetriou wrote in a post on X.

She said the MP should be removed from the party’s ballot, stressing that violence of any kind, and particularly violence against women, runs contrary to Disy’s values.

“Our principles are non-negotiable,” she added.

The woman filed the complaint with Limassol police on Sunday, alleging that her husband physically abused her while the couple was staying at a hotel in Greece on New Year’s Eve.

Following the report, she was examined by a doctor, with the findings documented in a medical certificate.

Sykas denied the allegations in a Facebook post on Sunday night.

“I categorically deny the complaint, as well as the insinuations made against me,” he wrote.

“I am shocked that the complaint was leaked to the media and social media and that a public trial was staged before any evidence was evaluated and before I was called to give my own testimony about the events,” he added.

He said he was ready to provide testimony regarding the incident and would comply with all procedures required for the investigation.

The case file, concerning assault leading to actual bodily harm, is expected to be forwarded to the attorney-general’s office on Tuesday, which will decide on how to proceed.

Should the attorney-general’s office opt for criminal prosecution, Sykas’ parliamentary immunity would be lifted.

Although the alleged incident took place in Greece, Cypriot authorities are expected to handle the case, as both the complainant and Sykas are Cypriot citizens and the alleged offence is also punishable under Cypriot law.

Justice Minister Costas Fitiris said that the necessary procedures to investigate the complaint by Sykas’ wife have been initiated.

He emphasised that the police investigate every complaint made to them, stressing that legislation would be applied “without exceptions.”

“[If there is a complaint, it is examined] and from there on the laws and regulations will be followed,” he said.

Women’s organisation Pogo, called for the attorney-general’s office to “immediately lift the MP’s immunity” and demanded “a full, objective and impartial investigation of the case.”

“The punishment, if the court finds him guilty, must be exemplary,” the organisation said, adding that such cases must be punished in a way that acts as a deterrent.

“Persistence in justice is crucial for her and for all women,” the statement added.

Acknowledging the complainant’s courage, the organisation stressed the need for her full protection “so that there is no pressure, blackmail or attempts to silence her.”

The organisation also criticised Disy’s past handling of similar issues, referring to previous incidents involving the same MP, saying: “We cannot ignore the responsibilities of Disy, which in the past tolerated sexist comments from the same MP towards its own women’s organisation, GoDisy.

“Today it is ‘burning’ for decisions. Selective sensitivity does not constitute a substantial principled stance,” it added.

Calling for decisive action, Pogo said: “Society and institutions must demonstrate zero tolerance towards every form of gender-based and domestic violence, without exception.”