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Risk of Institutional Derailment in Cypriot Judge Election for ECHR, Claims Lawyer

Published January 8, 2026, 15:20

Lawyer Dr. Christos Clerides warns of a risk of institutional derailment in the election of the Cypriot judge to the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR). He claims there are allegations of falsification of academic qualifications by a candidate, as well as political interference in the process. Dr. Clerides, acting as legal representative of two Cypriot candidates, sent an intervention to the leadership of the Council of Europe, denouncing the dominance of the executive branch, “unacceptable and vindictive treatment” of a judicial officer, and arbitrary interference in resumes by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Furthermore, he reports the withdrawal of a candidate from the Supreme Court of Cyprus due to political pressure, information that, according to Dr. Clerides, was concealed by the competent authorities of the Council of Europe. Dr. Clerides calls on the leadership of the Council of Europe to suspend the election process until the allegations are fully investigated, in order to safeguard the integrity of the ECHR.