Lawyer Alexandros Clerides has given the relevant state authorities five days to provide a complete and reasoned response regarding the investigation into a serious assault outside Larnaca Police Headquarters.
In a letter to the President of the Republic, the Attorney-General, the Minister of Justice and Public Order and the Chief of Police, Clerides warned that he would refer the matter to European Union institutions if no answers were provided within the deadline.
Serious injuries reported after January assault
According to the letter, which was made public, Clerides is acting on behalf of a man who claims he was the victim of a particularly serious assault on 17 January 2026, outside Larnaca Police Headquarters.
He said a group of people allegedly carrying axes, knives and other offensive weapons attacked his client while he was on the ground.
The man reportedly suffered serious injuries, including a fractured skull and fractured elbow.
Clerides said that despite the seriousness of the incident, the existence of video footage, the reported identification of those involved and the collection of witness statements, no criminal case has been filed against the alleged attackers.
By contrast, he claimed that criminal proceedings were immediately brought against his client over an allegation of “clearly lesser seriousness” relating to events on the same day.
Previous complaint referred to police chief
Clerides said he had previously submitted a complaint to the Presidency of the Republic and the Ministry of Justice and Public Order.
According to the letter, the ministry forwarded the complaint to the Chief of Police on 10 July 2026, requesting that both Clerides and the ministry be informed about the case.
However, he said no specific or reasoned update has yet been provided on whether and when the case file was sent to the Legal Service, whether instructions were issued or further investigations requested, and what stage the case has reached.
He is also seeking clarification on whether a decision has been taken to prosecute and the expected timetable for completing the process.
Victims’ rights and legal obligations
The letter refers to the provisions of Law 51(I)/2016, concerning the rights of victims of crime, and EU Directive 2012/29/EU.
Clerides argues that questions arise over whether the competent authorities have complied with their obligations to keep the alleged victim informed and to protect and respect his rights.
The letter also refers to Cyprus’ procedural obligation under Article 3 of the European Convention on Human Rights to conduct an effective investigation into credible allegations of serious physical violence.
Complaint to European institutions considered
Clerides said that unless his requests are addressed within five days, he intends to submit a complaint to the European Commission over what he alleges is Cyprus’ ineffective implementation of its obligations under Directive 2012/29/EU.
He also intends to submit a petition to the European Parliament’s Committee on Petitions.
The letter asks the authorities to examine the reasons for the delay, disclose the progress of the case file and provide specific information about the current stage of the investigation.
It also requests an examination of whether the police complied with their obligations under the relevant legislation and calls for a full and reasoned written response within five days.
Source: CNA
