Relatives of victims and the wider public are demanding a damning report from the investigative committee examining the handling of vehicle recalls. This remains a non-negotiable demand for all concerned.
The entire process and committee testimonies make clear that there was irresponsibility and superficial treatment of an issue that tragically had fatal consequences.
The chairman of the investigative committee, Michalakis Christodoulou, offered a clear apology to the parents of the two victims who attended the committee session, stating that “the state failed to provide them with safety”.
Others should have been the ones apologising, not the committee chairman. However, he evidently apologised on behalf of the state from his position. Those who should have done so will likely not do so – they have vanished.
Committee chairman Michalakis Christodoulou stated that “if and when responsibilities are identified, they will be assigned within the framework of powers that this committee has”. This makes the report’s content crucial, as it will determine how the legal service proceeds.
What happened is evident – how the system worked, or more accurately, how it failed to work. This is one aspect. The other dimension concerns whether certain actions were taken, which are being examined to determine if there was intent.
All this will emerge in the report. Speculation is impossible, just as nothing can be ruled out. It is clear that what should have been done was not done – no one can dispute this.
The investigative committee, appointed in March by Attorney General George Savvides following incidents related to problematic Takata airbags, completed its sessions last Monday. The report is awaited, and its content will be evaluated.
Citizens are tired of issues being examined, reports being submitted, and no follow-up occurring – reaching conclusions but leaving the next step hanging.
Whilst not suggesting this will happen again, certain matters must be recorded for all to consider. This time should be different, with procedures initiated following the report’s submission. This is a precautionary approach.
Parents, relatives and society demand justice and exemplary punishment for those potentially responsible. This remains the constant challenge.
