The murder case of George Low has reached the UK House of Commons, 10 years after the 22-year-old from Dartford was killed while on holiday in Cyprus. The issue was raised during a debate on the 10th anniversary of his death on September 15.
Low was killed in Ayia Napa in 2016. His friend Ben Barker was also stabbed several times in the back but survived.
Low’s parents have said they now have “more hope” of justice following the parliamentary discussion.
Two suspects and arrest warrants
International arrest warrants were issued for Mehmet Akpinar and Sali Ahmet, who are suspected of involvement in the attack.
According to the BBC, the two men fled to the occupied areas of Cyprus following the incident. Turkish authorities did not hand them over to the Republic of Cyprus, and they later left the island.
In July, the Turkish Embassy in London told the BBC that prosecutors had decided not to prosecute Akpinar, without providing a reason for the decision.
UK government remains involved
Dartford MP Jim Dickson raised the case in the House of Commons, arguing that the UK Government could play a role because of its relations with both Cyprus and Turkey. UK Parliament records confirm that Dickson and Foreign Office minister Uma Kumaran addressed the case during the September 15 debate.
Dickson also said repeated requests for a meeting with the Turkish Embassy had so far produced no result.
Kumaran said the UK Government remained “actively engaged” in the case and would continue supporting Low’s family.
London seeks clarification from Cyprus
Kumaran also referred to discussions between the British High Commission and the Cypriot authorities.
According to her statement to Parliament, the UK had asked the Republic of Cyprus to consider transferring the case to Turkey so that Turkish authorities could examine whether a prosecution could be brought.
The Cypriot authorities decided not to pursue that option, citing difficulties in providing the evidence and witness statements that would be required for proceedings before a Turkish court.
Kumaran said the UK had pressed Cyprus on the possibility of transferring the case to Turkish jurisdiction. She added that the Cypriot authorities had said they were unable to do so because of jurisdictional issues between Cyprus and Turkey.
The British Government will seek further clarification on the decision and aims to understand the positions of both Cyprus and Turkey on whether the investigation could continue in Turkey.
Family vows to continue fight for justice
Low’s parents were emotional following the parliamentary discussion.
His father, Martyn Low, described the session as “very encouraging” and said there appeared to be an intention to move the case forward.
His mother, Helen, said it was particularly emotional to see her son’s name raised in the House of Commons.
“We promised George that we would never stop fighting for justice. We will fight until our last breath,” she said.
Evidence remains key issue
The family’s lawyer, Michael Polak of Justice Abroad, has argued that the lack of official communication between Cyprus and Turkey, combined with Turkey’s policy on extraditing Turkish nationals, could potentially be addressed through prosecution in Turkey.
He said the key issue was ensuring that evidence held by the Republic of Cyprus reaches the Turkish authorities.
Polak previously told the BBC that the evidence includes DNA from weapons, possible CCTV footage relating to the suspects’ escape from the scene and witness testimony.
He said the evidence could initially be passed to British authorities. The BBC has also sought comment from Cyprus Police.
In August, Cyprus Police told the BBC that the arrest and extradition of the suspects were considered necessary for further progress in the investigation.
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