The file on former Central Prisons director Anna Aristotelous is heading towards the Assize Court, with the Aristotelous case charges described as extremely serious. Aristotelous and former deputy director Athena Demetriou face accusations over thousands of classified state documents found outside official channels.
Heavy charges have also been brought against five prison officers, including the chief warder in whose home the documents were discovered, as well as a former warder who is now a police officer.
The case has been filed before the Nicosia District Court, but due to the gravity of the offences it may be referred to the Assize Court.
According to Sigma information, the charges in the Aristotelous case include:
- Conspiracy to commit a felony
- Conspiracy to commit a misdemeanour
- Abuse of power
- Breach of official secrecy
- Illegal possession and processing of personal data
- Violation of classified information security rules
- Theft of documents by public officials
Meanwhile, questions remain over Aristotelous’ professional future and the post of permanent secretary to which she was recently appointed. The government is examining the legally correct procedure to follow.
“If I’m not mistaken, the letter was officially received today and the necessary briefings are under way so that all required actions can be taken. She has not yet assumed her new duties, and- if I’m not mistaken- there is a recommendation before the Public Service Commission,” government spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis said.
Aristotelous is already on suspension from her role as the President’s commissioner for humanitarian issues. Under the regulations, the Public Service Commission, which appointed her as permanent secretary, may initiate a new procedure to suspend her again until the conclusion of the criminal proceedings.
At the same time, Auditor-General Odysseas Michaelides has requested the suspension of Athena Demetriou, former deputy prisons director and now a senior officer of the Audit Office, until the criminal investigation is complete.
The classified documents include, among others, prison blueprints, copies of inmate files, internal correspondence, and documents belonging to the police and other state services.
Also read: Court suspends extension of Anna Aristotelous’ suspension
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