The Republic of Cyprus has requested through the Bicommunal Technical Committee on Crime the handover of four Turkish Cypriots allegedly involved in the Potamia incident where a 24-year-old migrant was shot dead by Cyprus Police.
The authorities initially submitted a request for a 62-year-old man and his two sons, followed by a separate request today for another suspect, who was arrested whilst attempting to board a ship with a double-cab vehicle bearing a bullet mark.
The fourt suspect has reportedly confessed to his involvement in the Potamia case to authorities in the occupied north. He faces charges in a “court” related to migrant trafficking and entering a military zone.
According to philenews, the request has been forwarded to the bicommunal office. Should the administration in the occupied north respond, the United Nations will be notified.
Sources suggest the three members of the family are unlikely to be handed over due to their connections with the administration in the north. Regarding the fourth suspect, authorities await the outcome of ongoing legal proceedings against him in the north.
The incident occurred near the buffer zone near Potamia. Initial police reports indicated the shooting occurred while officers attempted to stop a vehicle believed to be involved in a smuggling operation. However, forensic findings suggesting the man was shot in the back have raised questions and contradicted the initial police account.
A 39-year-old man, believed to be the driver of the car that transported the victim to Nicosia, has been arrested in connection with the case. Police seized €2,380 in cash at his residence.
He faces charges including attempted murder, conspiracy to commit a felony, and facilitating illegal entry into the Republic of Cyprus.
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