The funeral will take place on Monday of veteran lawyer and former Edek MP Efstathios Efstathiou, who died on Sunday aged 88.

Efstathiou served as an MP from 1985 to 1996 in the Nicosia district. He was one of the pioneers in the establishment of socialist Edek and a close friend of part founder Vassos Lyssarides.

He was also an associate of Archbishop Makarios. 

Born in Morphou in 1935, he studied law and economics and practiced law since 1962. He was considered one of the leading criminologists in Cyprus and defended many high-profile cases.

On Sunday, President Nikos Christodoulides said he was saddened by Efstathiou’s death, calling him a “patriot and distinguished lawyer for 60 years”.

“For decades he contributed to the homeland and society as a whole during difficult times for the country,” he said. “He was one of our most prominent fellow citizens who will leave an indelible mark.”

Edek and the other political parties also expressed their condolences. The House plenary held a minute’s silence to honour Efstathiou on Monday.

Efstathiou is survived by three children, Costis Efstathiou, an independent socialist MP, Yiannos Efstathiou who is an economist, and Agni Efstathiou, who is a judge.

The funeral will take place at the Ayios Georgios Church in Latsia, Nicosia at 1pm.