KISA was informed, while following-up a case of a migrant beaten up by the police on 20.02.2015, that he was summarily deported despite the fact that the case had not been investigated and there had been an eye-witness willing to testify against the particular policemen.
It is reminded that the migrant was violently beaten and arrested by members of the police while he was walking in a street in Nicosia. A woman eye-witness called KISA and informed that the violence used by the police against the migrant was utterly inexcusable, brutal and arbitrary. The migrant neither tried to escape, nor did he put up any resistance to his arrest.
KISA publicly denounced the fact to the media, the Ombudswoman and the Independent Authority for the Investigation of Allegations and Complaints against the Police.
We consider unacceptable the fact that while the Chief of Police informed us on the 27.02.2015 that “The Police has informed the Attorney General of the Republic and the President of the Independent Authority for the Investigation of Allegations and Complaints against the Police about the incident and they are awaiting for instructions”, another police department proceeded with the deportation of the victim. This action of the police exposes both the Chief of Police and the other competent Authorities.
Once again, the effectiveness of the mechanism for the investigation of complaints against the police and the required political will or inability to bring to justice such illegal actions by members of the police, is questioned.
KISA calls for:
- The continuing of the investigation of the case and ensuring that the victim will be brought back to testify,
- Additionally to any criminal prosecution of the police officers involved, depending on the outcome of the investigation, exemplary disciplinary action against them.
- To set up and implement a coordinating framework for all competent services and authorities in order to avoid similar incidents in the future.
KISA Steering Committee
