Attorney-general orders criminal investigation over Polynikis nepotism claims.Byline: Anna Hassapi ATTORNEY-GENERAL Petros Clerides yesterday intervened in the case involving complaints of nepotism nep·o·tism n. Favoritism shown or patronage granted to relatives, as in business. [French népotisme, from Italian nepotismo, from nepote, nephew, from Latin against Agriculture Minister Michalis Polynikis. A senior civil servant Andreas Demetriou claims that the minister followed nepotistic practices in hiring ministry staff. Clerides yesterday ordered the Police Chief to launch a criminal investigation into the matter. "The Criminal Code provides for the prosecution of any person that tries to influence a civil servant when the latter is exercising duties relating to relating to relate prep → concernant relating to relate prep → bezüglich +gen, mit Bezug auf +acc hiring staff for the public service," Clerides said. If found guilty, Polynikis could face up to one year imprisonment Imprisonment See also Isolation. Alcatraz Island former federal maximum security penitentiary, near San Francisco; “escapeproof.” [Am. Hist.: Flexner, 218] Altmark, the German prison ship in World War II. [Br. Hist. and/or a fine of e1/41,700. The Police Chief has already appointed a police officer in charge of the investigation. "A police officer of the Crime Prevention Unit has been appointed and will start taking statements directly. Statements will be taken both from the senior officer and from the Minister of Agriculture," confirmed police spokesman Michalis Katsounotos. Meanwhile, Polynikis' disciplinary investigation against Demetriou may also be illegal. The Criminal Code of the Law on Public Service provides that a disciplinary investigation against a civil servant can take place only in cases where the officer has committed an act that lacks honesty or is morally vulgar or in cases where the officer has breached his duties and responsibilities. Demetriou, however, has been subjected to disciplinary investigation on the grounds that he was disrespectful dis·re·spect·ful adj. Having or exhibiting a lack of respect; rude and discourteous. dis  re·spect to the minister,
an act that is not subject to investigation.
"It is unacceptable that instead of ordering the immediate investigation of the matter, the Minister of Agriculture launched disciplinary proceedings against a senior officer who had reported him," said Haris Georgiades, the spokesman for opposition DISY DISY Dimokratikos Synagermos (Greek: Democratic Rally, Cyprus) . "We consider totally unfounded the move on the part of the Minister of Agriculture against an officer because he reported him for hiring irregularly ir·reg·u·lar adj. 1. Contrary to rule, accepted order, or general practice: irregular hiring practices. 2. . The conclusion of this investigation is more or less pre-determined," added Green Party MP George Perdikis. Socialist EDEK, however, issued statements in support of Polynikis, arguing that the accusations against him were vague and unfounded and may serve other interests. "This was an obvious attempt at blackmailing Black´mail`ing n. 1. The act or practice of extorting money by exciting fears of injury other than bodily harm, as injury to reputation. by a civil servant in order to continue receiving privileged treatment. When one issues such accusations, particularly against a political official they should also provide adequate evidence in order to be convincing. It is not possible to just vaguely send a letter on the pretext PRETEXT. The reasons assigned to justify an act, which have only the appearance of truth, and which are without foundation; or which if true are not the true reasons for such act. Vattel, liv. 3, c. 3, 32. that one is protecting themselves," said EDEK MP Giorgos Varnava. "During his presence at the Ministry of Agriculture over the last 20 months, Mr. Polynikis has proved that he operated and operates within the framework of morality, honesty and merit," Varnava added. Copyright Cyprus Mail Cyprus Mail is a Cypriot English-language newspaper. It is published daily (except Mondays) and a number of articles are available online. Its current chief editor is Kosta Pavlowitch. The managing director is Kyriakos Iacovides. 2009 Provided by Syndigate.info an Albawaba.com company |
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