Judge Doria Varoshiotou is determined to conclude the third death inquest into the case of Thanasis Nikolaou by the end of this year.
The inquest aims to resolve the long-standing family tragedy and determine the cause of death of the unfortunate conscript soldier, who was found deceased on September 29, 2005, under a 30-meter high bridge in Alassa.
During yesterday’s court proceedings in Limassol, tensions arose over the summoning of witnesses.
The Legal Service expressed reluctance to call Savvas Matsas, one of the two independent criminal investigators of the latest report attributing the 26-year-old’s death to murder and implicating four individuals with criminal responsibility.
However, the Legal Service wishes to hear testimony from the coroner Panikos Stavrianos, a move opposed by the family.
The family’s representation was finalised yesterday, with lawyers Leto Cariolou and Athina Dima now acting on their behalf.
They raised concerns again about the testimony of coroner Panikos Stavrianos in front of the death investigator. Judge Varoshiotou clarified that this issue had been resolved, referring to her previous decision.
She noted, “Despite the Police accepting that the Attorney General appointed independent private criminal investigators, they still wish to call Mr. Stavrianos for reasons A or B. It’s the Police’s right, so Mr. Stavrianos will be notified.”
The family questioned the Legal Service’s representative on whether they accept the new findings and evidence that emerged post-2020 without needing to call witnesses, to which the Prosecution insisted on summoning witnesses.
Judge Varoshiotou stated, “Ms. Xenofontos’ response is negative; therefore, they wish to summon these witnesses.”
Mrs. Nikolaou expressed her displeasure towards the Legal Service’s stance on summoning coroner Panikos Stavrianos.
Ultimately, the court scheduled December 4 as the start date for witness testimony, first calling police officer Melis Antoniou, who conducted the latest investigation following the Matsas report.
On the same day, the Director of the Laboratory of Forensic Genetics, Professor Marios Kariolou, Court Registrar Anna Stylianou, and the Registrar of Civil Jurisdiction will also testify.
In addition, coroner Panikos Stavrianos is set to give evidence on December 6. Judge Varoshiotou emphasised her determination to expedite the process, indicating that if all goes well, the findings could be reserved by December 22.
