Fresh allegations concerning the operation of Cyprus' mortuaries have raised serious questions about the security of human remains and the integrity of death certification procedures.
The claims follow the recent case of a British national whose body was initially believed to be missing from Nicosia General Hospital, before being found in a refrigerated unit labelled with a different name.
Journalist reportedly entered mortuary undetected
According to an investigation by Omega Channel, a journalist was able to enter the mortuary at Nicosia General Hospital without obstruction and remain inside for approximately 40 minutes without being challenged.
The report alleged that the journalist had access to documents containing the names of deceased persons and was able to take photographs inside the facility.
The programme also reported that relatives seeking to view a deceased family member found the main entrances locked and allegedly entered through a damaged rear door.
Concerns over identification procedures
Forensic pathologist Marios Matsakis described the reported lack of access controls as unacceptable.
He said he had received similar complaints in the past and warned that inadequate security could compromise the identification process.
According to Matsakis, someone with unrestricted access could potentially alter labels attached to bodies, creating serious risks, particularly in cases subject to criminal investigation.
He also criticised what he described as severe understaffing, claiming that only one mortuary technician currently serves post-mortem examination needs across Cyprus.
Allegations over death certificates
More serious claims were made by Solonas Melas, representative of licensed funeral directors, during an appearance on Alpha Kalimera.
Melas alleged that some death certificates have been issued by doctors who had not examined the deceased, reportedly in exchange for payments of between €100 and €200, allowing families to avoid post-mortem examinations.
He said written complaints had been submitted to the authorities but claimed no meaningful action had followed.
Claims of date manipulation
Melas further alleged that dates of death had in some cases been altered to allow relatives to complete property transfers using powers of attorney that would otherwise become invalid upon death.
He also referred to a specific case in which a police officer allegedly recommended a particular funeral home to a deceased person's relatives via official police email correspondence.
The funeral directors' representative additionally raised concerns about body-transport procedures, claiming that public tenders have allowed contracts to be awarded to private operators lacking the required vehicles and licences.
Police response
Responding to the allegations, Police Press Office official Marina Christodoulidou said body-transport contracts were awarded through established tender procedures and according to specific requirements.
Regarding allegations involving a police officer, she said any evidence of criminal wrongdoing should be submitted for investigation.
She added that if complaints have been filed with the Independent Authority for the Investigation of Allegations and Complaints Against the Police, relevant case files would be forwarded to police once the authority's investigation is completed.
Source: Politis
