Disclosure of CYI Membership: Criminal Offense and Repercussions

The disclosure of the identity of a member of the Cyprus Intelligence Service (CYI) constitutes a criminal offense, according to the law. The case concerns a complaint against a police officer who was seconded to the CYI, which had repercussions for her.

According to reports, after her identity was revealed, the police officer left the CYI and was transferred to the Aliens and Immigration Service of the Police.

Last Monday, lawyer Alekos Argyrou, representing Nikoletta Andreou-Tsikkini, filed a complaint with the chairperson of the parliamentary committee on Human Rights, Eirini Charalambidou, regarding threats his client received from the police officer in question. The complaint stated that the police officer serves in the CYI.

Nikoletta Tsikkini, through her social media accounts, had revealed the name and position of the police officer, also publishing a photo of her.

The transfer of the police officer is related to the protection status of CYI members. The relevant law provides for criminal penalties for disclosing the identity of a member of the CYI staff, with imprisonment of up to five years or a fine of up to €150,000, or both.