Former Police Chief Kypros Michaelides considers it obvious that police will attempt to contact wanted Ioanna Fotiou (Annie Alexui) regarding her claims in the Phedon Phedonos case and beyond, saying her allegations must be investigated even now if they were not investigated before.
Michaelides yesterday revealed this is not the first time a domestic violence case has been investigated involving the Paphos mayor, and considers the case as it develops a good opportunity for all sides to prove they acted lawfully.
Speaking on the “Alpha Kalimera” programme, the former police chief initially highlighted three points. First, that everyone has the right to the presumption of innocence. Second, that no one is above the law. And third, that the investigation is a first-rate opportunity to prove either one side’s claims or the other’s innocence.
He said he would not want to elaborate further on what happened previously, in order to protect the ongoing police investigation. He added that if asked to support any statement, he would gladly do so.
Authenticity verification
Regarding verification of the authenticity of materials circulated online and elsewhere, Michaelides believes police has the professionalism, technology and previous experience to reach a good result. It will depend, he noted, on the statements taken.
Domestic violence cases are difficult, according to Michaelides, who advises caution in everyone’s statements because children are watching. He sounded the alarm not to incriminate people without sufficient evidence.
Asked whether case files are destroyed after a certain period, the former police chief confirmed the existence of a related police order with a timeframe.
For some cases this happens at 5 years, for some at 10, and for some never, depending on the seriousness of each one. He believes something relevant would exist, even on computers or the internet.
Ioanna Fotiou claims
Regarding whether there was friction during the period he served in the police with Ioanna Fotiou’s cases, the former police chief said he does not remember her name from back then, and that he did not know her story until he recently saw it online.
He added that he does not know exactly what happened and the reasons she sought asylum in Russia, but believes her claims (about her past) should be investigated if they were not investigated, even now.
He noted he is talking about people all of Cyprus knows, and even if just for the restoration of these names, the claims should be investigated, an announcement issued, and responsibilities assigned where they exist.
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