Former President of the Republic Nicos Anastasiades called for the immediate appointment of an independent criminal investigator and prosecutor during a press conference he held following the release of the Anti-Corruption Authority’sAnti-Corruption Authority regarding the “Mafia State,” which documents the possibility of criminal offenses having been committed in seven cases involving him.

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At the end of his initial statement, which lasted one hour, Mr. Anastasiades called for the immediate appointment of an independent criminal investigator, outlining the profile he believes such an investigator should have.

“It is imperative that an independent criminal investigator and prosecutor be appointed immediately, with a strong personality and recognized standing, who will complete their work within a reasonable timeframe so that the real truth may come to light as soon as possible,” he stated emphatically.

“I hope that, with what I am asking for, I will not face a new accusation that I am exerting undue pressure or committing the offense of abuse of power,” he commented.

When asked if he believes his posthumous reputation has been tarnished and whether this is something that concerns him, he states that he is certainly bothered by “character assassination.”

“And of course, character assassination bothers me. And of course, the mudslinging bothers me. But that is precisely why I demand, have demanded, and will continue to demand. I have never refused to allow any investigation. That is why I was accused of abusing my authority by requesting an investigation into myself. That is that is why today I demand the swiftest possible decision to appoint criminal investigators—or a criminal investigator and prosecutor—and, within a reasonable timeframe, for the truth to finally come to light, asit should—the real truth.”

Responding to questions from journalists and asked whether he would accept the assistance of the Independent Anti-Corruption Authority’s legal team, he maintained that their role is different and avoided stating what he accepts and what he rejects, repeating:

“I said that people of recognized standing and merit should be appointed as soon as possible to take on both the investigation and the prosecution.”

When asked about this, he replied that the investigator or prosecutor could be a private-sector lawyer, a university professor, a judge, or a former judge.

“That is not a matter for me to address, so as not to be seen again as exerting any institutional pressure and find myself accused once more.”