An extraordinary incident unfolded at the Limassol Assize Court when a convicted man attacked the representative of the prosecuting authority inside the courtroom. As the convict was leaving the stand under the escort and supervision of prison officers from the Special Custodial Unit (MMAD), he passed directly beside the state advocate and struck her repeatedly in the head with his fists. The officers were unable to restrain him before the attack took place. He was immediately handcuffed and removed from the courtroom. It is standard practice for defendants not to wear handcuffs inside the courtroom.
The man had just been sentenced to four years in prison for a kidnapping case involving a woman. The trial had been held behind closed doors. An ambulance was called and the state advocate was taken to hospital for further treatment. The incident occurred moments after the judges had left the courtroom, having already announced the sentence. The police are now investigating the matter.
Statement by the Attorney General
Today, in the course of legal proceedings before the Permanent Assize Court of Limassol, following the imposition of a sentence by the court, the defendant attacked and injured the representative of the prosecuting authority, a state advocate handling the case on behalf of the Republic.
The colleague, a state advocate, was transported by ambulance to hospital.
Upon being informed of this wholly unacceptable incident, I immediately instructed the Chief of Police to investigate the circumstances of the attack and the injury sustained by our colleague, and to reassess the protective measures in place for the legal officers of the Law Office of the Republic.
I unreservedly condemn this unacceptable act, which constitutes an attack against justice itself and all those who serve it.