Police are waiting for instructions from the independent criminal investigators who will handle the case surrounding the book "Mafia State", police spokesman Vyron Vyronos told the Cyprus News Agency. Vyronos said the report by the Independent Authority Against Corruption had been forwarded to police and was in the possession of the Police Chief, though it had not yet been examined by members of the force.
He said the report was in the hands of the Police Chief, and that the force was waiting for instructions from the criminal investigators. Vyronos clarified that police are not currently conducting any investigation into the case, adding that they stand ready to assist once asked, within the framework of the process that will follow. He said the investigators had not yet contacted police for any assistance they might need, as far as he was aware, and that the force remained ready to help with whatever was required.
The "Mafia State" case concerns the contents of the book of the same name by journalist Makarios Drousiotis, which sets out allegations relating to corruption, entanglement of interests and the functioning of institutions within the Republic of Cyprus. Following the book's publication, the Independent Authority Against Corruption examined related complaints and evidence submitted to it, and subsequently prepared a report. Once the Authority's process was complete, it was decided that the report would be forwarded for further evaluation by independent criminal investigators, who will examine whether it raises matters requiring criminal investigation.
Government Spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis said last week that the Cabinet had approved the provision of all necessary facilities to the independent criminal investigators, both in terms of secretarial support and logistical infrastructure. According to the Government Spokesman, a suitable venue with full office equipment has already been secured, and the necessary arrangements have been completed for the allocation of staff to provide administrative support to the team's work.
Source: CNA
