Is the spy van still being used?
Statement by Eleni Mavrou, AKEL Political Bureau member
AKEL C.C. Press Office, 6th September 2020, Nicosia
The allegations made by the owner of the notorious spy van Israeli Sahak Avni, which have come to light, raise many new questions to which the government must at long last provide an answer.
According to Sahak Avni, the Police not only knew about the van’s operation, but leading Police officials had also boarded the vehicle and were briefed about its capabilities. We recall that the spy van and the involved companies may have engaged in mass violations of citizen’s privacy, impinged on their personal lives and communication and possibly with regards other sensitive personal data.
Of course, we still haven’t had answers to many other questions as well to date. For example, who were involved in the loophole procedures that were followed as regards the import of espionage equipment in Cyprus, as to the weapons license granted to Mr. Avni at the request of the then Minister of Justice Ionas Nikolaou, while the Police had twice rejected the request, but also concerning the relations of those involved with political parties.
Perhaps the most serious question that arises is whether the vehicle in question, which was then delivered to the state intelligence services (KYP) is still being used today.
The fact that, ten months after the start of the investigations into the spy van’s activity, no one has yet given any real and convincing answers, is for us of particular concern. We would like to believe that this investigation will not also end up being another probe that will drag on until the whole issue is forgotten without anyone being held accountable.
