Call for Independent Investigation into Nicolaou Case
Amidst the unfolding drama of the Thanasis Nicolaou case, Leto Cariolou, the lawyer representing the national guardsman’s family, has made a firm stance against further involvement of the attorney general’s office. Cariolou has urged the cabinet to establish an independent investigative team to delve into the alleged “coverup” of Nicolaou’s death, a case that has been shrouded in controversy for nearly two decades.
According to Cariolou, the involvement of police or the national guard in the investigation would be inappropriate, given the recent developments and revelations. This call to action comes as President Nikos Christodoulides disclosed his conversation with the attorney general and deputy, who are currently reviewing the latest court ruling on the matter.
The state prosecutor’s long-held assertion that Nicolaou’s death was a result of suicide has been challenged by Judge Doria Varoshiotou’s findings. The judge’s decision has categorically stated that Nicolaou met his end through violence and criminal activity, specifically strangulation, overturning years of official claims that his death was self-inflicted.
Varoshiotou’s ruling also cast a critical light on the state prosecutor’s conduct throughout the legal proceedings. In a surprising turn during the final arguments, the prosecutor shifted from advocating for a suicide verdict to suggesting an ‘open’ cause of death.
Cariolou highlighted the inquiry’s strong criticism of the legal service and emphasized that not only should the attorney general’s office be excluded from future proceedings, but also any police or national guard personnel under their respective chiefs. The family is now looking to the cabinet for action, expecting the appointment of an independent team to investigate both Nicolaou’s murder and the purported systematic coverup by authorities.
The Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe is set to receive an update on the case, including details on the AG’s stance and concerns about potential obstruction. Meanwhile, President Christodoulides acknowledged the need to scrutinize why Nicolaou’s death was mishandled for 19 years and did not dismiss the possibility of appointing an independent investigator, recognizing the tragedy of the prolonged injustice.
