Nicosia, Cyprus. Justice Minister Costas Fitiris said the government wants the police investigation into the “Sandy” case completed as soon as possible, while noting he could not provide a specific timeline. He said the FBI is in Cyprus to support police work on the case.
FBI support and investigation process
Fitiris spoke to reporters after the graduation ceremony of police cadets from intakes 159, 160 and 161 at the Police Academy and was asked about the team of experts from the FBI assisting in the case.
“The FBI is in Cyprus, supporting the work of the police, with the aim of completing this investigation as soon as possible and easing the situation, so that a finding is issued which fully covers the entire range of allegations that have been made,” he said.
Asked whether the experts had requested anything specific, Fitiris said he could not comment on the investigation and that it was not his role to be involved in the investigation itself. He added that the ministry is awaiting the police report, which will be reviewed together with the Law Office, after which the prescribed procedures will be followed.
Government role and timeline
Asked about the government’s objective through the investigation, Fitiris said the government does not have a specific aim within police investigations. He said the government requires that laws and regulations are observed, that the process is completed as soon as possible and that institutional procedures are respected.
On the timeline for completing the investigation, he said this depends entirely on the investigative team and the completion of statements and testimonies, adding that the aim is for it to be completed as soon as possible.
Fitiris also said he expects to be briefed on the matter by the chief of police in the coming days.
Anti-corruption authority findings on Mafia State
Fitiris was also asked about the findings of the anti-corruption authority regarding the book Mafia State, which are expected to be submitted shortly. He reiterated that the government’s objective is for institutional procedures to be followed and for there to be justice and equality before the law.
Asked whether there was an intention to publish the findings in time before the elections for transparency purposes, he said the government could not commit. He said there is a process between the police and the legal service, and that the government cannot decide whether the findings will be made public.
What do you think should determine whether the findings are made public before the elections?
