PRESIDENT PLEDGES TO PUNISH THOSE INVOLVED IN CORRUPTION

 Cyprus Mail 10 November 2020 - by Cyprus News Agency

President Nicos Anastasiades on Tuesday expressed his political will and determination, as well as that of the government, to take further measures to punish those involved in corruption, and to strengthen transparency, accountability and the rule of law.

Speaking during the swearing in ceremony of the new President of the Supreme Court Persephone Panagi, who is the first female to be appointed to this position, he stressed the commitment to the fight against corruption.

He said that to effectively manage the phenomenon, in addition to the bills adopted or those submitted to parliament, the government is focusing its efforts on additional actions which hopefully will be announced next week.

The president also expressed the government’s determination to radically modernise the justice system, referring to what has been achieved since 2013 including the modernisation of the structures and the operation of the courts, the digitalisation of courts and the promotion of e-Justice.

He said the new Supreme Court president’s appointment was based on her academic studies and her excellent legal and scientific ability, her experience and the integrity of her character.

Anastasiades also thanked the former President of the Supreme Stelios Nathaniel for his service and his contribution to the modernisation of the justice system in Cyprus.

Panagi said that the priority of the Supreme Court, especially at this time, is the reform of the judicial system, to modernise it and step up efforts for the delivery of justice.

She said that the implementation of the reform projects, necessary for the effective response of our courts to their mission, can be achieved only with the help and cooperation of the other two state powers, the executive and the legislative.

Panagi was born and grew up in London. On graduating from university she moved to Cyprus where she practised law as an advocate for 10 years. She was appointed a District Court Judge in September 1988 and a Senior District Judge in December 1996. In 2000 she was appointed President of the District Court and has also served as Administrative President of the District Court of Larnaca-Famagusta and President of the Assize Court.

In August 2012 she was appointed to the Supreme Court.