The government aims to see the police investigation into the “Sandy” case completed as soon as possible, Justice and Public Order Minister Costas Fytiris said on Thursday, while acknowledging that no specific timeline can be given.
Speaking to journalists after a graduation ceremony for police cadets from cohorts 159, 160 and 161 at the Police Academy, Fytiris was asked about the team of experts from the Federal Bureau of Investigation assisting in the case. He said the FBI is in Cyprus supporting police efforts, with the aim of concluding the investigation promptly and easing public concern.
“The goal is for the findings to cover the full scope of the allegations that have been made,” he said.
Asked whether the experts had requested anything specific, Fytiris replied that he could not comment on the investigation and that it is not within his remit to be involved in its conduct. He added that the ministry is awaiting the police report, which will be reviewed in cooperation with the Legal Service before the appropriate procedures are followed.
On the government’s objective in relation to the investigation, Fytiris said the government does not set targets for police inquiries. “What the government requires is that laws and regulations are upheld, that the process is completed as quickly as possible and that institutional procedures are respected,” he said.
Regarding the timeline for completing the investigation, he reiterated that this depends entirely on the investigative team and the collection of statements and evidence needed for the report. “The aim is to complete it as soon as possible,” he said.
He also noted that he expects to be briefed on the matter in the coming days by the Chief of Police.
Fytiris was further asked about the report by the Anti-Corruption Authority concerning the book Kratos Mafia, which is expected to be delivered shortly. He repeated that the government’s priority is adherence to institutional procedures and ensuring justice and equality before the law.
Asked whether there is an intention to publish the report in time before the elections, in the interest of transparency, Fytiris said no such commitment can be made. “There is a procedure involving the police and the Legal Service. The government cannot decide whether the report will be published,” he said.
Source: CNA