Seeking the Truth in Thanasis Nicolaou’s Death
Amidst a solemn gathering to honor mothers with multiple children, President Nikos Christodoulides addressed the pressing need for clarity in the mysterious death of Thanasis Nicolaou. The president emphasized the urgency for the newly appointed investigators to commence their work without delay, highlighting the community’s and the victim’s family’s longing for answers.
“What matters for us is for the truth to shine and for the investigators to begin work immediately, because Thanasis’ mother and father, as well as society at large, await answers,” Christodoulides stated, acknowledging the weight of the situation that has lingered unresolved since 2005. He pointed out that the government’s decision to appoint two investigators was to scrutinize why certain aspects of the case may have been overlooked for nearly two decades.
The case of Thanasis Nicolaou, who was found deceased under Alassa bridge at the age of 26, has been fraught with controversy. Initially ruled a suicide by forensic pathologist Panicos Stavrianos, Nicolaou’s family has steadfastly maintained that their son was the victim of a murder cover-up. Their persistence led to a third inquiry earlier this month, which concluded that Nicolaou’s death was indeed a criminal act of strangulation.
In response to these findings, the cabinet last week appointed retired Greek police lieutenant Lambros Pappas and lawyer Thanasis Athanasiou to lead an independent criminal investigation into Nicolaou’s death. The family has been vocal about their desire for the attorney-general’s office to remain uninvolved in the investigation, citing concerns over ethics and acceptability.
The backdrop to Nicolaou’s tragic end paints a disturbing picture of his final days. He died shortly after reporting severe bullying within his army unit and expressing suspicions of drug dealing at his barracks. An inquiry revealed that Nicolaou had feared retaliation and had warned his mother about the potential danger from his unit members, describing them as individuals capable of causing harm.
As investigators embark on their mission to uncover the truth, a nation watches, hopeful that justice for Thanasis Nicolaou is finally within reach.
