Nicosia, Cyprus. Justice Minister Costas Fitiris rejected claims that he threatened Isotita union president Nikos Loizides in a phone call last week. Fitiris addressed the issue during a Monday press conference on organised crime and justice reform.
Minister declines to engage directly
During the press conference, Fitiris was asked to comment on Loizides’ public allegation that a senior cabinet figure threatened to “behead” him because of his trade union activity. The minister declined to engage directly with the accusation.
“I do not wish to lower the level of conversation,” Fitiris said. “This is a very serious press conference. Too much noise causes disturbance, and disturbance often causes disruption.”
Call for clarification from police leadership
Fitiris said he would welcome clarification from police leadership.
“I would be very happy if the police-chief tells me that Loizides asked to be transferred to a front-line unit,” he said, referring to Loizides’ current posting as a spokesman.
Loizides links allegation to union activity
Loizides has alleged that he was threatened by a high-ranking political figure in the cabinet, which he has publicly linked to his union activities.
Speaking earlier this month, Loizides said he received a phone call during which he was told “we will behead you”. In a recent television interview on Sigma, Loizides said, “Some people live in other times.”
What do you think police leadership should do in response to Loizides’ allegation?
