The police force faces mounting pressure after a detainee escaped from custody at Nicosia General Hospital, just eight days after a Swedish fugitive fled in Larnaca.
The incidents have caused significant disruption within the force, as its new leadership, appointed following a previous escape of a life-sentence prisoner, struggles to implement reforms.
The police spokesperson, Kyriaki Lambrinidou, acknowledged systemic weaknesses in the custody of defendants requiring medical treatment, citing inadequate infrastructure in hospitals. Reading a statement from the Chief of Police, she said: “We recognise there are weaknesses regarding the custody of defendant detainees when they require hospitalisation due to health issues, as hospitals lack proper infrastructure.”
Lambrinidou added that whilst aware of these shortcomings, the force continues to ensure medical care provision. She noted that since the new leadership took office, “significant operational-level problems have been identified”, and with full support from the Minister of Justice and the Government, processes to improve police operational capabilities have begun.
The 39-year-old defendant, who was awaiting trial for burglary and theft charges, managed to escape whilst handcuffed to a hospital bed after swallowing two razor blades.
According to sources, the escape occurred during a shift change of police guards, with the prisoner managing to remove his handcuffs. Witnesses reported that flesh remnants were found on the handcuffs.
The suspect had been taken to Nicosia General Hospital on Epiphany Day after swallowing the blades, which were confirmed present in his body through X-rays.
He was later apprehended on Tuesday evening near the Latsia industrial area by members of the Special Anti-Terrorist Unit.
