Nicosia, Cyprus. No criminal or disciplinary charges will be brought against police officers over the September 2024 escape of life prisoner Theodoros “Doros” Theofanous, police said on Monday. The investigation concerning possible criminal prosecutions of prison wardens remains ongoing.
Investigation findings
Police officer Michalis Michail told the Cyprus News Agency that the report submitted by independent investigators initially appeared not to justify criminal prosecution. It was subsequently determined that no disciplinary responsibilities had emerged.
Michail said the report was sent to the Law Office and later returned to police, adding that the criminal investigation involving police officers had been completed.
Escape and suspensions
Theofanous, also known as “the hairdresser”, escaped in September 2024 after being granted permission to visit his father’s home in Choletria, Paphos.
He was escorted by seven officers: four prison guards and three members of the police mobile immediate action unit, Mmad.
Several police officers and prison wardens were suspended following the escape. President Nikos Christodoulides later dismissed the chief of police, the deputy chief of police and the acting director of the central prison.
Escort procedures
Michail said procedures for transporting and escorting prisoners had been reassessed with the prisons department to prevent similar incidents.
He said protocols governing prisoner transport and escorts were in place and were regularly updated. Michail said he could not comment on prison wardens because they belonged to a separate department.
Official sources told CNA that the investigation into possible criminal prosecutions against prison wardens had not yet been concluded.