ECHR poses questions in former Cyprus auditor general Michaelides’ complaint — Cyprus Mail
The European Court of Human Rights has sent questions to the parties in the case of former Cyprus auditor general Odysseas Michaelides, who is challenging his dismissal and alleges a violation of his right to freedom of expression. The Republic of Cyprus was notified of the list of questions on August 20, 2026, Cyprus Mail reports.
Questions concerning freedom of expression
The court asks the parties to explain whether there was interference with the applicant’s freedom of expression, guaranteed by Article 10(1) of the European Convention on Human Rights. If such interference occurred, the ECHR also asks whether it was in accordance with the law, pursued one or more legitimate aims provided for in Article 10(2), and whether it was necessary in a democratic society.
On September 4, it became known that the ECHR had communicated to Cyprus the part of Michaelides’ complaint concerning the alleged violation of his right to freedom of expression. Michaelides himself described this development as positive in a post on X, but stressed that it does not predetermine either the admissibility of the case or the court’s final decision on the merits of the complaint.
More current news is available on the UA.News Telegram channel Telegram.
Dismissal in 2024
Michaelides filed a complaint against the Republic of Cyprus on December 9, 2024, after the Supreme Constitutional Court dismissed him from office in September of that year. A panel of eight judges unanimously found his conduct improper and concluded that he was unfit to perform his duties.
The 209-page ruling stated that Michaelides had repeatedly misled the public, crossed the boundaries of proper conduct, and failed to meet even the minimum requirements of his office. The court also found that he had repeatedly sought to undermine the legal opinions of Attorney General George Savvides.
Michaelides rejected the court’s ruling and called his dismissal politically motivated. He had previously stated that his application to the ECHR would cover issues of due legal process, the right to reputation, and freedom of expression.
