Nicosia, Cyprus. Police said on Tuesday that their investigation into the publication of a video involving the abuse of a minor with Down syndrome is ongoing, with the cybercrime unit taking steps to identify those involved. Authorities urged the public not to share the video further.
Police investigation
Police said the investigation has been under way since the case was brought to the attention of authorities.
“The investigation is continuing methodically with care and, in accordance with established procedures and with particular caution due to the involvement of a minor,” police said.
They added that whether criminal offences had been committed could only be assessed after the investigation is completed.
Video circulated online
The statement followed the circulation of a TikTok video showing a minor with Down syndrome being humiliated. Two women can be heard laughing as the child is asked to show his genitals to the camera.
Police appealed for particular responsibility from the public, citing the nature of the case and the involvement of a minor.
Criticism from disability organisations
The confederation of organisations for the disabled, Kysoa, criticised police, saying the association had identified the suspects while authorities had not.
Kysoa president Themis Anthopoulou said on state television that Kysoa, the Down Syndrome Association or a social media user could identify those involved within an hour, questioning why the cybercrime division had not done so in two months.
Anthopoulou said the case was reported on June 1 and that the president of the Down Syndrome Association had been told by police that the accounts had not been identified.
He said he had spoken with the justice ministry, which assured him that instructions relevant to the investigation had already been issued.
