NICOSIA - Three people were arrested last night in connection with the theft of the remains of former President Tassos Papadopoulos. One of those arrested is believed to be a life prisoner in Nicosia central prisons and another and Indian national. Police said last night that the three would appear before a court in Nicosia Wednesday morning for a remand hearing. The former president’s remains were disinterred from his grave on December 11, a day short of a year after his death. They were recovered Monday following a telephone tip off to the family in a shallow grave in Strovolos cemetery, Nicosia. Meanwhile controversy surrounded whether or not a ransom had been demanded in the case Justice Minister Loucas Louca said on Tuesday that the culprits responsible for the theft of the remains of former president Tassos Papadopoulos had demanded ransom from his family. “Ransom was asked for but it was not paid,” said Louca. He said police had recommended that no payment be made. But there was a denial on behalf of the family. Chryssis Pantelides a close associate of the former President on behalf of family insisted that there was no ransom demand or payment. He called for responsibility from all those in positions of influence. At a press conference later the minister stuck by his statement and Pantelides later amended his statement to say that there was a difference between a ransom demand and on offer to pay for information.
NICOSIA - Three people were arrested last night in connection with the theft of the remains of former President Tassos Papadopoulos.
One of those arrested is believed to be a life prisoner in Nicosia central prisons and another and Indian national.
Police said last night that the three would appear before a court in Nicosia Wednesday morning for a remand hearing.
The former president’s remains were disinterred from his grave on December 11, a day short of a year after his death.
They were recovered Monday following a telephone tip off to the family in a shallow grave in Strovolos cemetery, Nicosia.
Meanwhile controversy surrounded whether or not a ransom had been demanded in the case Justice Minister Loucas Louca said on Tuesday that the culprits responsible for the theft of the remains of former president Tassos Papadopoulos had demanded ransom from his family.
“Ransom was asked for but it was not paid,” said Louca.
He said police had recommended that no payment be made.
But there was a denial on behalf of the family.
Chryssis Pantelides a close associate of the former President on behalf of family insisted that there was no ransom demand or payment.
He called for responsibility from all those in positions of influence.
At a press conference later the minister stuck by his statement and Pantelides later amended his statement to say that there was a difference between a ransom demand and on offer to pay for information.