A 38-year-old man from Limassol has filed a complaint alleging severe police brutality during his arrest last Thursday morning, according to his lawyer Sylvia Adamou.
The man, who remains hospitalised at a private medical facility following surgery to remove his spleen, also suffered broken ribs from what he claims was a brutal beating by approximately 15 police officers.
According to his lawyer, the man alleges he was repeatedly kicked in the ribs by officers during his arrest. “My client told me that when they opened the vehicle door and he got out holding a shovel, the officers began kicking him in the sides,” Adamou said.
The incident occurred around 1 a.m. last Thursday when police responded to a call from a mobile speed camera operator who reported being obstructed by a driver.
Police stated that when officers arrived at the scene, the 38-year-old exited his vehicle holding a metal shovel and verbally abusing them. They claim he subsequently attacked officers, injuring one in the leg.
Following his arrest, a narcotics test reportedly returned positive results.
The accused alleges he was denied medical attention despite being in severe pain while in custody.
“According to my client, after they took him to the police station, he was in intense pain and requested to see a doctor, but they refused. He was doubled over in pain all night and they wouldn’t even give him water,” his lawyer said.
When the man appeared before the Limassol District Court the following day, he was in such poor physical condition that he had to be supported by officers.
He eventually collapsed and was taken to hospital by ambulance.
Adamou confirmed she will submit a formal complaint to the Independent Authority for the Investigation of Allegations and Complaints Against the Police, and is awaiting her client’s medical records from the hospital before pursuing further legal action.
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