A controversial presidential pardon was quietly granted to Charalambos Chrysanthou, known as "Hamburger," a convicted criminal with serious charges including attempted murder and rape. Despite his severe convictions and the harm caused to victims, Chrysanthou was released from prison and given permission to travel abroad, possibly even to the occupied territories, along with a substantial sum of public funds for his initial expenses.

The pardon process involved a formal recommendation from the Attorney General and approval by the President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides, highlighting collective legal responsibility. However, critics question the justification behind the decision, citing vague references to "public interest reasons," a phrase that obscures transparency and fuels public distrust.

This situation places significant political and moral responsibility on the President, who must provide clear, public explanations rather than rely on generalized legal procedures. The ongoing silence risks damaging public confidence in Cyprus's institutions, as transparency and accountability remain essential to restore their credibility.