The lawyer of the Republic who was punched in the face inside Limassol Criminal Court today is distressed but will not need to remain hospitalised for long, Attorney General Giorgos Savvides said after visiting her at the hospital.
Speaking to reporters outside the hospital, Savvides said the incident was the third attack on a state official in recent times. “We are not doing well. Our society is not doing well. This is a very serious incident,” he said. “People are being targeted simply for doing their jobs.”
Savvides said a meeting has been scheduled for 14:30 today at the Attorney General’s office with the Police Chief, the Deputy Attorney General and the Justice Minister to discuss security arrangements for public prosecutors. The case file will be with the Law Office by next Monday. He also noted that the way the incident unfolded inside the courtroom indicates that protocols and procedures for moving and transporting defendants to and within courts must be reviewed.
In a statement issued earlier, Savvides said he had immediately instructed the Police Chief to investigate the circumstances of the attack and to reassess protection measures for Law Office legal officers. “I unreservedly condemn this unacceptable act, which constitutes an attack against justice itself and all those who serve it,” he said.
Assistant Police Director for Limassol Lefteris Kyriakou told reporters that criminal and administrative investigations were ordered from the first moment. He clarified that handcuffing defendants inside the courtroom is not standard practice unless there is an indication they are dangerous, and said the investigation may lead to recommendations for additional security measures inside courtrooms.
The Limassol Bar Association condemned the incident and said it highlights longstanding weaknesses in court security measures, building facilities and entry and exit protocols for serious cases. It called on the Justice Ministry, the Judicial Service and the Police to begin immediate discussions with the legal profession to address these issues. “It is not acceptable for courts to operate under conditions that do not ensure the safety and dignity of all those present,” the association said.
The attack occurred earlier today after a man convicted of kidnapping was sentenced to four years in prison by the Limassol Criminal Court. As he was leaving the dock, he punched the prosecutor’s representative in the face. He was accompanied by police officers who were caught off guard and did not prevent the attack in time.
The defendant was subsequently restrained by other police officers present in the courtroom.
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