The criminal underworld continues to operate undisturbed under the responsibility of the Government and law enforcement authorities

Statement by AKEL C.C. member Marina Savva

16 January 2024, AKEL C.C. Press Office, Nicosia

 

The attempted murder committed yesterday afternoon in a crowded and residential area in Aglantzia intensifies even more the feeling of insecurity within Cypriot society.

This incident, combined with previous criminal acts committed in broad daylight and in crowded areas, proves that criminal elements feel comfortable and free to operate. This should make the Government and the Police concerned about their inability to deal with crime.

The level of public confidence in the Police force and the authorities is much lower than in other EU countries, as a GRECO report points out. The report also noted the need for objectivity and transparency, particularly with regard to the selection of high-ranking officers, promotions and transfers in the police force. Arbitrariness and non-transparency in relation to these procedures were the main characteristics of the Anastasiades-Democratic Rally party decade and we are paying the price today in this field too.

Crime is now ahead of the Police and the state, despite the various statements and promises of the Christodoulides government to stamp out crime. Most recently, we note the announcement by the Minister of Justice to arm police officers in city centres, which will not help at all.

What is needed is a strategy to combat organised crime, to strengthen and upgrade the police force, to use the legislative possibilities available to it and, above all, to make use of the competent and honest members of the police force.

We note that only last July it was made public that an action plan against crime was drawn up and delivered to the President of the Republic.

We do not know what has happened to this plan.

What is certain is that the criminal underworld continues to operate undisturbed under the responsibility of the Government and the law enforcement authorities.

16.1.2024