The substance of the claims that in recent months shook the justice system and caused serious strain on institutions appears to have been addressed through a comprehensive investigation, said criminal lawyer Elias Stefanou, speaking on Politis radio and the programme Morning Briefing with Katerina Eliadi, commenting on developments in the ‘Sandy’ case following the Police press conference on the matter.
Asked to comment on what was presented by the Police at yesterday’s press conference, Mr Stefanou noted that it is reasonable for questions to remain that were not publicly answered, as it is not possible for all aspects of such a complex case to be covered in a single briefing. As he said, the critical point is that there are substantiated answers within the case file.
Referring to the issue of the motive of the woman at the centre of the case, he acknowledged that it is one of the questions that reasonably concerns observers and could be further clarified for reasons of transparency. However, he stressed that the most important element emerging from the investigation is that the key claims appear to have been examined through independent evidence and not merely through the statements of those involved.
As he explained, independent evidence may arise from scientific findings, material evidence or testimony from third parties that confirm or disprove the disputed claims. “The claim of a single person is not enough. It must be confirmed or overturned by other evidence,” he stated.
Mr Stefanou acknowledged that the level of detail contained in the narrative continues to raise questions, as well as the fact that various individuals appear to have been convinced of the credibility of 'Sandy.' He noted, however, that these very questions formed part of the police investigation and that the conclusions announced suggest that there was an attempt to examine all aspects of the case.
He made specific reference to the role of journalists, referring to Makarios Drousiotis, noting that good faith and prior journalistic investigation are crucial elements in assessing potential responsibility. As he said, before the publication of serious allegations, the necessary checks are expected to be carried out and the position of the other side sought, without this meaning that every mistaken assessment or publication automatically constitutes a criminal offence.
