Title: Supreme Court Unveils Alleged Crimes Coordinated via Video Call from Central Prisons
In a recent judicial decision, it has been revealed that mobile phones have been used to orchestrate alleged crimes from within the Central Prisons. As per the details of a Supreme Court decision on February 20, the Police conducted a search operation backed by a judicial warrant to probe into smartphones linked to criminal activities.
The investigation was initiated following the receipt of “highly reliable” information that indicated a convict, while confined in his cell, used a mobile phone to conduct a video call with an accomplice outside the prison. The conversation involved instructions to commit a criminal act against an unidentified target.
According to the sworn statement recorded in the court’s decision, the convict was overheard making threats and discussing arrangements for the proposed crime during the early hours of January 31, 2024. The conversation was reported to have been loud and angry, with the convict demanding the execution of violent actions.
Police are currently probing offenses that include conspiracy to commit both felony and misdemeanor, threat of violence, and involvement in a criminal organization, among others.
Amidst these developments, a citizen has sought legal intervention through attorney Christos Poutzouris to challenge the legitimacy of the search warrant. The request before the Supreme Court includes an application for a Prerogative Writ of Certiorari. The petitioner aims to annul the search warrant and prevent the Police or the Attorney General from using any data obtained through its execution until a final decision on this application is reached.
The applicant’s legal team presented eight reasons challenging the jurisdiction and authority of the lower court to issue the warrant, arguing that the evidence provided was insufficient for establishing reasonable suspicion.
Judge Lena Dimitriadou-Andreou, after reviewing relevant case law on residential entry conditions, has found that there is a debatable issue at hand. Permission was granted for the application to seek an annulment of the search warrant, with proceedings set for February 29, 2024.
The case throws light on the ongoing challenges law enforcement faces with prohibited use of mobile phones by inmates and highlights the need for stringent measures to curb such activities within correctional facilities.
