Larnaca, Cyprus. Lawyer Alexandros Clerides has given authorities five days to provide a full and reasoned response on the investigation into the alleged assault of his client outside Larnaca police headquarters in January.
He said he would refer the matter to European institutions if his requests were not met.
Complaint over investigation
Clerides said no criminal case had been registered concerning his client against the alleged perpetrators, despite video footage and the identification of those involved.
Instead, he said a case had been filed against his client over allegations relating to the same day which he described as clearly less serious.
A complaint was sent on July 10 to President Nikos Christodoulides, the Justice Ministry and the police chief, requesting information on the case. Clerides said no response had been received.
He said authorities had not provided specific and reasoned information on whether and when the case file had been forwarded to the Legal Service, or whether further investigation had been requested.
Possible EU action
Referring to EU rights for victims of crime, Clerides said the competent authorities had not met their obligations to inform, protect and respect the victim’s rights.
He said that, if his requests were not addressed within five days, he would submit a complaint to the European Commission concerning the Republic’s alleged non-effective implementation of its obligations. He also said he would file a petition with the European Parliament’s Committee on Petitions.
In his letter, Clerides requested an investigation into the reasons for the delay, details on the progress and current stage of the case, and an examination of whether police obligations under relevant legislation had been met. He requested a full and reasoned written response within five days.
January incident
The incident occurred on January 17 outside Larnaca police headquarters, where a group of people allegedly armed with axes, knives and other offensive instruments attacked Clerides’ client.
The man sustained serious injuries, including skull and elbow fractures, according to Clerides.
Five people were arrested in connection with the case and were later remanded in custody after admitting they had been present at the scene.