Lawyers warn on legal privilege infringements as Clerides raid sparks protest call

The Bar Association on Tuesday warned it is prepared to intervene over any breach of legal confidentiality following police searches at the home and office of lawyer Nikos Clerides as part of investigations linked to the “Sandy” case.

Nicosia Bar Association president Stephanos Skordis said the protection of lawyer client confidentiality remains “a fundamental principle of the rule of law that must be preserved at all costs”.

Police carried out searches on Saturday under court warrants, seizing electronic devices and documents as part of an ongoing inquiry into serious allegations connected to testimony already obtained by authorities.

Police spokesperson Vyron Vyronos insisted that officers acted “in accordance with the prescribed procedures” and confirmed that a statement has been secured from a key individual, while adding that authorities “know the whereabouts” of the person central to the case.

Skordis said the Bar Association “is ready to intervene in any case in which a violation of legal confidentiality or the rights of its member lawyers is revealed”, while acknowledging that the allegations under investigation are serious and must be examined.

He stressed that “these investigations cannot abolish or violate fundamental principles of both the rights of lawyers and the rule of law”.

Clerides himself has criticised the conduct of the search, describing it as excessive and draconian, while his legal counsel maintains he is not a suspect.

His representatives argue the seizure of devices containing sensitive material raises concerns over professional secrecy and data protection.

They have initiated legal steps to challenge the basis of the warrants and to secure details of the sworn testimony presented to the court.

The Bar Association admitted that though searches involving lawyers are not unprecedented they are however subject to strict safeguards.

Skordis said law offices contain a plethora of devices with data relating to multiple clients, making it necessary for “increased measures both when issuing and when executing warrants”.

Meanwhile, Andriana Nikolaou, mother of Thanasis Nikolaou, said the police operation could have affected confidential communications with her lawyer, also Nikos Clerides, describing the seizure as “a blatant violation of confidentiality” and calling for a nationwide protest.

She demanded to know “who took the initiative to issue such a decree” and called for the material to be secured.

Police have rejected claims that the investigation targets individuals or breaches legal privilege, stating that “in no case is there any intention or action which would violate legal confidentiality”.