MVP

Tag: justice

  • Justice Minister to Unveil New Measures for Central Prisons

    Justice Minister to Unveil New Measures for Central Prisons

    Justice Minister Costas Fytiris is set to announce significant measures aimed at enhancing conditions at the Central Prisons. His commitment follows a series of visits to the facility, where he has been assessing the current state of affairs.

    During a visit to the Limassol Police Directorate on Monday, Fytiris remarked, “Soon I will be in a position to announce measures for the Central Prisons that will help improve the correctional facility.” This statement underscores the urgency and importance of reforming the prison system.

    Having made three visits to the prisons, the minister plans another inspection on Wednesday. His aim is to gain firsthand insight into the realities faced within the facility, which he believes is crucial for identifying effective solutions.

    When questioned about the potential introduction of a mobile phone jamming system, Fytiris assured reporters that the ministry would consider all existing issues. “Whatever problems exist, we will solve them, rest assured,” he stated, reflecting his proactive approach to addressing challenges within the correctional system.

    In light of rising crime rates in Limassol, Fytiris expressed his determination to ensure public safety. He stated, “This is the goal and we will do whatever is necessary to achieve it.” His comments highlight the government’s commitment to creating an environment where citizens feel secure at all times.

    Fytiris described the structure of the police force as a pyramid, with ordinary officers forming the base that supports the entire organisation, culminating in the leadership. He commended the dedication of both rank-and-file officers and senior officials, acknowledging the challenging nature of their work.

    With an increase in checks and investigations under a programme issued by Police Headquarters, Fytiris noted that police efforts to tackle crime have intensified. “We will continue in this framework so that crime and illegal actions are reduced to a minimum,” he added, reinforcing his focus on a comprehensive strategy to combat criminal activity.

  • Ex-police Officer Seeks to Halt Prosecution in Thanasis Nicolaou Case

    Ex-police Officer Seeks to Halt Prosecution in Thanasis Nicolaou Case

    A former police officer has invoked an Assistant Attorney-General’s letter in his attempt to suspend the prosecution linked to the 2005 death of National Guard soldier Thanasis Nicolaou.

    • A former police officer has invoked an Assistant Attorney-General's letter in his attempt to suspend the prosecution linked to the 2005 death of National Guard soldier Thanasis Nicolaou.

    This request comes two decades after the tragic discovery of the 26-year-old soldier’s body beneath the Alassa bridge, an incident shrouded in controversy, with Nicolaou’s family long contending that the initial ruling of suicide was a facade for murder.

    The defendant, Christakis Kapiliotis, was the head of Lania Police Station at the time of Nicolaou’s death in September 2005. Through his lawyer, Andriana Klaedes, he has argued to the Attorney-General (AG) that the duration since the incident is excessively long for private criminal prosecutions to be initiated.

    In his correspondence to the AG, Kapiliotis pointed to the AG’s Law Office’s prior assessment of the evidence. He attached a letter from Assistant AG Savvas Angelides, dated 11 June 2025, which had previously dismissed a request from the Nicolaou family’s lawyer, Nikos Clerides, to pursue state prosecutions based on the Pappas-Athanasiou report. Angelides indicated that there was not enough evidence to support a charge of deliberate neglect of duty.

    Furthermore, the letter addressed medical examiner Panikos Stavrianos, who is also a defendant in the private case. Angelides clarified that there was no proof that Stavrianos had any knowledge of a murder or intent to conceal the identity of potential perpetrators.

    It is anticipated that the other defendants, including Stavrianos, former Limassol Police Director Andreas Iatropoulos, former Limassol CID head Nicos Sophocleous, and former Rural Police head Christakis Nathanael, will submit similar letters to the AG.

    In response to Kapiliotis’s request, the AG has sought the position of the Nicolaou family lawyers, who are expected to oppose the suspension and advocate for the continuation of the prosecution towards a conclusive court ruling. This follows the AG’s earlier announcement that he would not halt private prosecutions if the family chose to move forward, especially after the release of the Matsas-Alexopoulos report.

    All five defendants made their initial court appearance on 9 December, during which a preliminary objection regarding a conflict of interest was raised. The court has scheduled the next hearing for 22 January 2026.

  • Central prison — Justice Minister to Inspect Central Prison Following EU Concerns

    Central prison — Justice Minister to Inspect Central Prison Following EU Concerns

    The Justice Minister’s upcoming visit to the central prison follows serious concerns raised in a recent EU report regarding the facility’s conditions.

    • The Justice Minister's upcoming visit to the central prison follows serious concerns raised in a recent EU report regarding the facility's conditions.

    Central prison: Justice Minister’s Commitment to Prison Oversight

    Justice Minister Costas Fitiris announced on Wednesday that he will visit the central prison on Thursday. His aim is to gather comprehensive information regarding the various issues that plague the facility. Fitiris stated, “I am here to obtain general information on all issues concerning the prison,” highlighting his intention to improve the existing situation.

    EU Report Highlights Grave Concerns

    The Council of Europe’s committee for the prevention of torture issued a report that outlined numerous alarming conditions within the central prison. Among its findings were significant failures by prison staff to ensure the safety of inmates. The report identified a chronic shortage of frontline officers as a critical factor contributing to the deterioration of safety and order.

    Inter-Prisoner Violence and Overcrowding Issues

    The committee’s report expressed grave concerns about high levels of inter-prisoner violence, stating that the staff shortage allowed groups of prisoners to dominate and impose informal punishments. The situation has been exacerbated by extreme overcrowding, with cells accommodating up to four inmates in spaces smaller than six square metres. This lack of personal space has led to dire sanitary conditions, with reports indicating that some prisoners have had to urinate in bottles and defecate in bags due to insufficient access to sanitation facilities.

    Prison Guards Union Voices Alarm

    The prison guards branch of the Pasydy union has echoed the concerns raised in the EU report, declaring that conditions at the central prison have “exceeded all limits of endurance and tolerance.” The union emphasised that the state could no longer afford to remain silent on the matter. They warned of an “explosive security crisis” that poses risks to both inmates and prison staff.

    Violence and Criminal Activity Within the Facility

    Recent incidents have underscored the urgency of the situation. On Sunday, a 35-year-old inmate was murdered within the prison, leading to the arrest of a fellow inmate on suspicion of premeditated murder. Furthermore, a 30-year-old convict in custody is being investigated for potential involvement in the murder of Limassol businessman Stavros Demosthenous, which occurred in October.

    Allegations of Sexual Assault and Negligence

    In September, a prisoner reported that he was repeatedly raped by fellow inmates, accusing the prison authorities of failing to act on early warnings and covering up the criminal acts. This incident has raised serious questions about the effectiveness of the prison administration in protecting inmates from violence and abuse.

    Union Calls for Fundamental Changes

    The Pasydy union has articulated that the current climate within the prison system is intolerable. They argued that assigning policing roles to prison staff would compromise their safety and hinder the trust needed for successful rehabilitation programmes. The union concluded that the only viable solution is the construction of a new prison facility, one that adheres to European standards for security, living, and working conditions.

    Decades of Neglect and the Urgency for Reform

    Decades of decay in the prison infrastructure have left staff carrying out their duties in conditions that fail to meet even basic safety standards. The union’s position is clear: without significant changes, both inmates and staff are at risk of becoming victims of the violence that permeates the prison environment.

    Looking Ahead: Minister’s Visit as a Catalyst for Change

    As Justice Minister Costas Fitiris prepares for his visit, there is cautious hope that his engagement with the prison system will lead to meaningful reforms. The spotlight on the central prison, intensified by the EU report and ongoing incidents, may finally prompt the necessary actions to address the critical issues that have long been ignored.

  • Prosecution Unveils New Evidence in Demosthenous Murder Case

    Prosecution Unveils New Evidence in Demosthenous Murder Case

    demosthenous murder — demosthenous murder — The murder case of businessman Stavros Demosthenous has taken a significant turn as new evidence was presented by the prosecution during court proceedings. Demosthenous was tragically gunned down last month just a few metres from his home in Limassol.

    • As of November 7, the investigation had led to the detention of at least eight suspects, with some released due to lack of evidence.

    Four suspects, all implicated in the murder, are scheduled to face trial at the Limassol criminal court on January 29. This follows an announcement made by authorities on Thursday, confirming their direct involvement.

    Demosthenous murder: New Testimonies and Evidence

    As the investigation unfolds, a key testimony has emerged from an eyewitness who observed a white van that was later set ablaze. This individual noted that the van’s right back door window was broken, and a second vehicle was present nearby, unable to pass due to the commotion. Notably, this witness described a second man at the scene who was wearing a distinctive ‘Zorro-style’ hat and glasses.

    Further strengthening the prosecution’s case, laboratory tests have revealed that DNA collected from the hat abandoned by the suspects belongs to a 31-year-old man, identified as the alleged shooter. State laboratories also discovered traces of forensic material indicating the hat was likely used by someone who either fired a gun or was in close proximity to the act.

    Profiles of the Suspects

    The prosecution’s case file outlines the roles of the suspects involved. Among them are two 30-year-olds; one is alleged to have facilitated the purchase and sale of the motorcycle used during the escape, while the other is a convicted prisoner, accused of orchestrating the murder from behind bars.

    Additionally, a 51-year-old suspect has had his DNA linked to a stolen vehicle connected to the crime, whereas the other suspect, a 31-year-old of Georgian descent, is accused of procuring fake licence plates for the getaway vehicle and assisting two Georgians in fleeing Cyprus.

    Clarifications on Nationality

    The embassy of Georgia in Nicosia has clarified that the two Georgians in question are not actual Georgian nationals but rather “Pontian Greeks”—individuals of Greek descent born in Georgia who hold Greek citizenship exclusively.

    These two suspects, aged 28, were apprehended in Thessaloniki in late October under a European arrest warrant and are currently waiting extradition back to Cyprus. They are expected to be incorporated into the trial at a later date.

    Investigative Developments

    Following their arrest, law enforcement located a vehicle with Cypriot registration at one of the suspects’ residences. This car, registered to the 31-year-old suspect, contained documents that suggested plans for their escape from Cyprus by ferry to Turkey.

    The indictment filed against the suspects includes a total of 17 charges, 16 of which apply to all four defendants. These charges encompass serious offences such as premeditated murder, conspiracy to commit murder, arson, and illegal possession and use of firearms.

    Notably, the 51-year-old suspect faces an additional charge of receiving stolen property but remains at liberty after a court ruling on November 5 that found insufficient evidence to justify extending his detention.

    Trial Expectations

    As the case progresses, it has been assigned a serial number, although there are indications it may be refiled to include the two Georgians once their cases are officially combined. In total, the prosecution has lined up 104 witnesses, including three individuals who had previously been arrested but later released.

    Stavros Demosthenous was fatally shot on October 17 while seated in a car next to his 18-year-old son in the Ayios Athanasios area of Limassol. Police investigations suggest that the gunfire originated from a van that was directly in front of their vehicle, which was later discovered engulfed in flames. A motorcycle, believed to be linked to the murder, was also found abandoned in the vicinity.

    As of November 7, the investigation had led to the detention of at least eight suspects, with some released due to lack of evidence.

  • Reunification — Cyprus’ Reunification Remains a Non-Negotiable Goal

    Reunification — Cyprus’ Reunification Remains a Non-Negotiable Goal

    The reunification of Cyprus is a “non-negotiable goal” for the government, emphasised Deputy Culture Minister Vasiliki Kassianidou during a recent event.

    • The reunification of Cyprus is a “non-negotiable goal” for the government, emphasised Deputy Culture Minister Vasiliki Kassianidou during a recent event.

    Speaking at a concert in the village of Achna, Kassianidou addressed the ongoing division of the island, stating that “the current unacceptable state of affairs in Cyprus does not constitute a solution for Cyprus nor for its people.” Her words resonated with the audience, highlighting the deep-rooted desire for unity among the Greek Cypriots.

    Through her speech, Kassianidou underscored the importance of collective memory, remarking that the narratives of conflict and displacement continue to shape the identity of the Cypriot people. “The memory of war remains alive through the narratives of people and through art,” she noted, “which becomes the voice of the people, transforming pain into creation, strength and sacrifice into duty.”

    The concert, aimed at raising awareness against Turkish occupation, served as a reminder of the struggles faced by many Cypriots. Kassianidou called upon the audience to remain united in their quest for freedom and justice, reinforcing the notion that the fight for reunification is not merely a political agenda but a commitment to the future.

    In her passionate address, she urged fellow citizens to demand their rights and not to forget the past. “Memory is not only the memory of war, of refugeehood, it is also a commitment to the future,” she asserted. This sentiment echoed throughout the gathering, leaving attendees inspired and resolute in their pursuit of a unified Cyprus.