No one knows where the new process regarding the causes of Thanasis Nicolaou’s death will lead. What we can certainly observe is the citizen’s struggle against an entire system and the despair and deadlock that may result.
As things are already grim, evidenced by the increasing scepticism not only from the family but also from a significant part of society, the public prosecutor’s office does everything it can to further obscure the situation.
For seventeen years, and especially the last two since the case was reopened, the Legal Service had all the time to assign the best forensic pathologist in the world to study the case. However, this was only done a few days before the start of the new inquest, as admitted by the Legal Service representative. The opinion of the forensic pathologist, Dr. Andreas Marnerides, was requested to be presented in court only a few days ago.
The involvement of this scientist based in England, as explained by the Legal Service representative, was sought because the positions of the forensic pathologists who have dealt with the case over time are conflicting. This fact, however, was known before, and it is puzzling why the general prosecutor’s office didn’t seek the expertise of Dr. Marnerides or another specialist earlier when it would have been logical and acceptable to all.
A few days ago, all the findings were sent to Dr. Marnerides, who studied them and compiled a 55-page report, delivered to the assigning authority on Sunday night. On Wednesday, the prosecution requested the report to be submitted as evidence, while simultaneously granting permission for Dr. Marnerides to examine Thanasis Nicolaou’s bone fragments stored in the Limassol Police Department.
In other words, the process is starting over from the beginning. As if 17 years were not enough for all the necessary examinations and investigations to be conducted. If Marnerides’ findings clash with the others, then another forensic pathologist, whether from America, China, or anywhere else, should be called. And so, with the years passing, the case becomes increasingly obscure.
Whatever trust the family may have had in the authorities is dissipating with the prosecution’s handling. What is the ultimate goal? The administration of justice or a mere victory?
