Police Chief Themistos Arnaoutis told parliament that a couple who died in July’s Limassol mountain fire had been advised to avoid a dangerous route but proceeded along it, according to his testimony to the Interior Committee on Friday.
Demetris and Maro Philippidou departed Sylikou at 19:55 and were advised to travel via Trimiklini road towards Agios Mamas, but ignored the guidance, Arnautis told the Interior Committee on Friday. The couple entered the road towards Alassa, whilst the Alassa-Trimiklini road closed at 20:05.
When Interior Committee Chairman Aristos Damianou asked whether police believed the two citizens were warned the road was dangerous or ablaze and ignored this advice, Arnaoutis confirmed: “We have testimony that they were told which route to take.” He added this testimony would be presented during the death inquest.
Asked to clarify his position, the police chief replied: “Yes, this is our position.”
The statements provoked reactions from MPs during the joint session of Interior, Agriculture and Environment committees discussing the fatal 23 July 2025 fire.
MP Giorgos Loukaides criticised the police presentation, stating: “From what we heard here from police, it appears they bear responsibility for their own deaths.” He called on Arnaoutis to clarify his remarks about the deceased.
The police chief responded: “I said clearly there will be a death inquest. I don’t want to say anything else.”
DIKO party leader Nicholas Papadopoulos intervened, calling for restraint and respect for the victims’ memory. “Let us leave the dead out of the present discussion,” he said, noting that public debate about victims’ responsibility whilst investigations continue is premature and disrespectful.
Parliament President Annita Demetriou supported Papadopoulos’ position, emphasising the need to maintain seriousness and respect, stating that assigning responsibility belongs exclusively to competent authorities.
The police chief later clarified his position, assuring committee members that a death inquest would be conducted according to legal procedures to fully clarify the causes and circumstances of the two deaths.
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