Papasavvas forced to retire after spat with Markides

A STATE attorney was yesterday forced into retirement by the Civil Service Committee, which upheld a request by Attorney-general Alecos Markides.

Akis Papasavvas’ lawyer, Andreas Angelides, called it an unprecedented decision by the civil service and said his client had been forced out of his job, accused of offences he was not given a chance to defend himself against.

Angelides said his client would appeal to the Supreme Court.

Papasavvas has accused Markides of holding a personal grudge against him, an allegation the Attorney-general denies.

The reason behind the spat is thought to be Papasavvas’ weekly column in AKEL-controlled newspaper Haravghi, in which he has attacked Markides, President Glafcos Clerides, and other state officials.

Markides has said the articles went far beyond criticism and had entered the realm of abuse.

Papasavvas was also charged with not doing his job properly and refusing to follow Markides’ instructions.

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