Police examine source of documents shown in Apoel fan video

Nicosia, Cyprus. Police said on Friday that evidence in criminal proceedings is legally shared with the parties concerned, responding to Akel General Secretary Stefanos Stefanou’s complaint about documents displayed in a football fan’s video. Spokesman Vyron Vyronos said inquiries into their origin were continuing and that describing the matter as a leak would be premature.

Video prompts request for inquiry

The video appeared on social media through an Apoel supporters’ page and was subsequently removed. It displayed what appeared to be original witness statements bearing signatures and other markings, along with a medical report.

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Stefanou wrote to police chief Themistos Arnaoutis on Thursday, requesting an investigation and an explanation of how third parties had obtained police documents. He maintained that only police or the legal service should hold such papers.

His letter also questioned the force’s handling of documents containing depositions and medical reports.

Police say status of papers remains unclear

Speaking on CyBC, Vyronos called for caution, saying “it is not right to talk about a leak without having a clear picture of the situation”.

He explained that parties to criminal proceedings receive the material to prepare their defence before a court.

According to Vyronos, police were not yet able to establish whether the papers were confidential or consisted of witness material previously supplied to the parties. Investigators were still seeking to determine their source and whether they belonged to any particular case.