From one perspective, there are the masses. Angry and ready for war. The news about a female state official caught driving with more alcohol in her system than the permitted amount and simultaneously refusing to provide a second sample for confirmation is certainly a matter of concern. Not that she is a “lightweight,” as she was labeled, or that she was tipsy. She may have simply been at a social gathering and had two or three glasses of wine instead of one (as many of us do without being labeled as drunkards). Perhaps, also, she was sober and driving under controlled conditions, without the need to react to anything unexpected. However, she violated the law and is the Commissioner of Legislation. It’s not just a mere offense.
While she admitted that the rumours concern her (something she could have avoided by not acting like an ostrich waiting for the storm to pass), she simultaneously stated that the facts are not as they seem, and the justice system will decide after hearing the facts. However, the police rushed to prejudge the justice system: “The Commissioner simply couldn’t blow properly, and this was recorded by the police officers assigned to conduct the breathalyzer test as a refusal,” says the Police spokesperson. But if the law allows for this, they did well. This is possibly what the Commissioner of Legislation herself might say under different circumstances.
Mrs. Louiza Christodoulidou Zannetou, as a citizen, has the presumption of innocence, as she made sure to remind us. However, in her current position, this presumption is not enough. In other countries, no one would expect the justice system to decide. With the speed at which the justice system operates in Cyprus, Mrs. Zannetou might even resign before the justice system reaches a decision. Until then, she will serve an institution whose credibility has been tarnished. (And there are already many people in institutions that do not inspire respect because their names have been tarnished, dragging the institutions down with them). In other countries, she might simply step down to save the institution. Someone might argue that it is unfair for someone to be “sacrificed” under the weight of rumours before the justice system decides. However, who can guarantee that the decision of the Justice will be impartial? Who can convince the citizens? Already, the intervention of the police shows a tendency to dismiss the incident as if it did not happen. Unfortunately, at the point we have reached, with actions and inactions, everything is now under question. And the responsibility does not lie with the citizens, even if, sometimes, the characterizations can be considered exaggerated.
