The Police Chief has suspended four officers following the escape of a 39-year-old Romanian defendant from custody, pending an investigation into potential negligence.
The suspension applies to two officers who were guarding the suspect at Nicosia General Hospital and two others who were arriving to relieve them.
An investigating officer has been appointed to conduct an administrative inquiry to determine any errors or omissions that led to the defendant’s escape.
The investigation will focus on whether protocols were followed and if other force members bear responsibility.
The issue of prison escapes and police operational capability was discussed at a leadership meeting chaired by Justice Minister Marios Hartsiotis.
According to philenews sources, Hartsiotis strongly emphasised the issue of police corruption, conveying that he, the government, and the state support zero tolerance for such phenomena.
The Justice Ministry is expected to issue a statement about the meeting.
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