Statement by Marina Savva, member of the Central Committee of AKEL, on the Supreme Court’s decision on the 19-year-old girl who denounced gang rape

 

 1 February 2022, AKEL C.C. Press Office, Nicosia

With regards the case of the acquittal by the Supreme Court of the 19-year-old British girl who had denounced her gang rape in Ayia Napa accused of public defamation, AKEL points out the following:

• The decision of the Supreme Court is a powerful response to the absurdity of the complainant suddenly finding herself accused. It represents a decisive response to what the then Mayor of Ayia Napa and current Minister of Mr. Anastasiades, Mr. Karousos, was saying, complaining about the defamation of Ayia Napa instead of demanding a full investigation into the allegations.
• Reasonable suspicions of an attempt to cover up the incident from the very outset and to mislead public opinion are now created. Suddenly the central issue was not the allegation made of gang rape, but rather the supposed public harm that was provoked.
• The Supreme Court identified responsibilities that permeate the police and the justice system given that it specifically refers to the way in which the case was handled.
• The gaps/shortcomings in procedures and structures related to the investigation and handling of such allegations, as well as with regards the protection of those who find the courage to file a complaint, have once again been highlighted.

Campaigns, slogans and issuing appeals to victims playing it safe are therefore not enough.

We need first and foremost to ensure that complaints are fully, promptly and effectively investigated. That the judiciary proceeds without any delay. That the Executive power will ensure that protocols and policies to prevent and suppress such crimes are implemented and strengthened, and that state structures are established to provide support and protection to the victims.