Estimated read time: Less than a minute
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
NICOSIA, Cyprus (AP) — Cyprus' supreme court says allegations by the attorney general's brother that a web of familial ties between judges and lawyers has resulted in favorable rulings are an unfounded and "blatant attack" on the judicial system.
The court said Monday that the allegations by veteran lawyer Nicos Clerides, who comes from a long line of attorneys that also produced a president, give a "skewed picture" that denigrates the judicial system.
The court said that it's particularly careful to avoid conflict of interest, and bemoaned "blind, belligerent rhetoric" that erodes public trust. It called on lawyers and judges to push back.
Clerides alleged that most judges in major cases involving Cyprus' largest bank had either worked at or had relatives working at a specific firm that represented clients in those cases.
Copyright © The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
