The Attorney General of the Republic, Giorgos Savvides, has appointed an independent criminal investigator to oversee the police investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of a young man from Pakistan.
The appointee is Senior Counsel of the Republic, Ninos Kekkou.
In a written statement, Mr Savvides said:
“Exercising my powers under subsection (2) of Article 4 of the Criminal Procedure Law, Cap. 155, and having been briefed by the Chief of Police regarding the ongoing investigation into the death of a young man from Pakistan, I have decided to appoint Senior Counsel of the Republic, Ninos Kekkou, as an independent criminal investigator to oversee the investigation being conducted by the Police.”
Also read: Potamia investigations reveal 24-year-old killed by police gunfire
Police to refrain from making statements
The police continue their investigation into the death of the 24-year-old foreign national, found dead in Nicosia on 6 January 2025, and will not make further statements on the matter, as noted in a Sunday announcement.
Specifically, following the Attorney General’s announcement regarding the case, the Police confirmed that they are continuing their investigative work in light of new findings.
“As such, no further statements will be made from our side,” the statement concluded.
Health Minister reviews incident report
Health Minister Michalis Damianou has confirmed receiving an incident report regarding the case of the 24-year-old found dead on Epiphany Day in Nicosia. The report will be reviewed to determine the next steps.
The Police previously announced they are investigating the murder of the 24-year-old, noting that while criminal activity was initially ruled out, the post-mortem examination revealed that the man died from internal bleeding caused by a gunshot wound. A forensic pathologist was called to the scene and conducted an autopsy.
When asked if the Ministry has received the requested incident report from the Police, the Health Minister confirmed receipt, stating they will study it and decide how to proceed.
Background
On Saturday, the Police confirmed that the case of the 24-year-old foreign national, found dead in an open area in Strovolos on the evening of 6 January, is linked to an incident in the Potamia area earlier that day. During the incident, police officers fired shots while attempting to stop and arrest suspects.
Also read: Twist in Strovolos case: Police gunfire confirmed as cause of death