Two parallel tracks are now unfolding in the case involving Nikos Sykas, the DISY MP accused of assaulting his partner, following a formal complaint lodged with police.
Beyond the ongoing criminal investigation, the case has also triggered immediate political consequences. The file has been forwarded to the Legal Service of the Republic of Cyprus, which will determine whether there are sufficient grounds to request the lifting of the MP’s parliamentary immunity. At the same time, Democratic Rally (DISY) is preparing to take decisive action on his political future.
Police investigating two offences
According to information available, police are investigating two alleged offences against the MP: causing actual bodily harm and exercising psychological violence. The complaint was filed on Sunday morning at the Limassol CID shortly after the complainant returned from Greece.
Sources indicate that the complainant had previously undergone a medical examination, and the results form part of the case file now before the Legal Service. Police have refrained from commenting on the substance of the allegations, citing the sensitive nature of cases involving domestic violence.
Because the suspect is a sitting MP, the Limassol CID’s domestic violence unit was required to forward the file directly to the Legal Service for guidance. Lifting parliamentary immunity is considered essential in order for the MP to be formally questioned as a suspect.
In a public statement, Sykas has categorically denied the allegations, saying he is ready “at any time” to present what he described as “the true facts,” while reserving all legal rights.
Immunity procedure moves to legal service
Under Cyprus law, parliamentary immunity can only be lifted following a substantiated request by the Legal Service to the Supreme Constitutional Court. If the MP does not object, the process can be expedited.
Sources suggest that the Legal Service may proceed with such a request within days, or early next week, aiming to allow the investigation to proceed without delay. The ultimate decision on whether to initiate criminal prosecution will follow once the investigation file is complete.
Legal experts note that the lifting of immunity does not affect an MP’s parliamentary duties, but allows criminal proceedings to move forward.
DISY prepares to remove MP from ballot
On the political front, DISY is expected to formally remove Sykas from its Limassol electoral list during an extraordinary meeting of its Political Bureau scheduled for Wednesday evening.
Party leader Annita Demetriou had already made her position clear, calling for the MP’s exclusion from the party’s ticket and urging the voluntary waiver of immunity. The party’s Executive Bureau has endorsed her recommendation.
In a public post, Demetriou stressed that while the presumption of innocence must be respected, allegations of violence require immediate and transparent investigation. “Violence, especially against women, contradicts the values we stand for,” she said.
Ως Πρόεδρος του ΔΗΣΥ, δηλώνω με απόλυτη σαφήνεια ότι δεν υπάρχει καμία ανοχή σε καταγγελίες βίας.
— Annita Demetriou (@AnnitaDemetriou) January 4, 2026
Σεβόμαστε πλήρως τη Δικαιοσύνη και το τεκμήριο της αθωότητας, όμως η διερεύνηση πρέπει να γίνει άμεσα και χωρίς σκιές. Θεωρώ απαραίτητη την αυτόβουλη αποποίηση της ασυλίας.…
There is also discussion within DISY about removing Sykas from the parliamentary group, arguing that exclusion from the ballot while retaining parliamentary affiliation would be contradictory.
Who replaces him on the Limassol ticket
Attention is now turning to who might replace Sykas on the Limassol ballot. Under party rules, the next eligible candidate is former MP Andreas Michaelides, who placed 13th in the party’s internal vote.
However, Michaelides had previously indicated that his political cycle within DISY had “closed,” leaving open the question of whether he would accept a return. Some within the party are also advocating for a fresh selection process, given that the departure involves a sitting MP, which alters electoral dynamics.
Final decision rests with the attorney general
Legal scholars, including constitutional expert Achilleas Emilianides, have underscored that the decision to seek the lifting of immunity rests exclusively with the Attorney General of Cyprus, as set out in Article 83 of the Constitution.
Since 1960, parliamentary immunity has been lifted only four times, highlighting the exceptional nature of the procedure.
For now, both the legal and political processes are moving in parallel, with decisions expected in the coming days that will determine whether the case proceeds to full criminal prosecution and whether Sykas retains any formal role within DISY’s electoral strategy.