Cyprus Appoints Independent Investigator to Probe Police-Involved Death of Pakistani National
Background
A 24-year-old Pakistani national was found dead in a field in a suburb of Nicosia on January 6, a national holiday. The authorities initially reported that the death was not related to criminal activity, but a subsequent postmortem exam revealed a bullet wound on the right side of the man’s back.
Investigation Launched
Cyprus’ chief prosecutor, George L. Savvides, has appointed an independent investigator to oversee a criminal probe into the death. The decision was made after a briefing by the chief of police regarding the ongoing inquiry into the incident.
Independent Investigator Appointed
Savvides appointed Senior Counsel of the Republic, Ninos Kekkos, to lead the investigations being conducted by the police. The move comes a day after authorities revealed that the Pakistani national was fatally shot with a police service weapon.
Postmortem Exam Contradicts Initial Forensic Analysis
The postmortem exam contradicted an initial forensic analysis ruling out criminal circumstances. The finding of a bullet wound on the right side of the man’s back suggests that the death may be connected to an earlier incident involving police.
Earlier Incident
Police disclosed an earlier incident in which officers had fired shots during an attempt to intercept and arrest suspects. The incident occurred in a different location from where the body was found. Local news website Phileleftheros reported that three police officers were being questioned over the shooting, which happened near the line that divides the island into the UN-recognised south and the Turkish-backed north.
Irregular Migrant Smuggling
The incident is believed to be connected to irregular migrant smuggling. Irregular migrants frequently cross the so-called Green Line from the Turkish Cypriot north into the more affluent Greek-speaking Cyprus Republic.
Health Ministry Requests Report
The health ministry has requested a report from the police on the incident so it can review the forensic expert’s findings.
Conclusion
The appointment of an independent investigator to probe the death of the Pakistani national is a crucial step in ensuring transparency and accountability. The investigation will seek to determine the circumstances surrounding the death and whether the police actions were justified. The incident highlights the complex issue of irregular migrant smuggling in Cyprus and the need for effective measures to address it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the background to the case?
A: A 24-year-old Pakistani national was found dead in a field in a suburb of Nicosia on January 6.
Q: What is the current status of the investigation?
A: An independent investigator has been appointed to oversee a criminal probe into the death.
Q: What is the suspected connection to irregular migrant smuggling?
A: The incident is believed to be connected to irregular migrant smuggling, with irregular migrants frequently crossing the so-called Green Line from the Turkish Cypriot north into the more affluent Greek-speaking Cyprus Republic.
Q: What is the role of the health ministry in the investigation?
A: The health ministry has requested a report from the police on the incident so it can review the forensic expert’s findings.