Independent body to investigate claims against police

THE COUNCIL of Ministers yesterday gave the green light for the formation of an independent council, which would hold the power to investigate police corruption, breaches of duty or serious violations of human rights by members of the force.

Government Spokesman Kypros Chrysostomides said the cabinet approved draft legislation submitted by Justice Minister Doros Theodorou and entitled ‘Police Council for Internal Control Law 2003’.

According to the draft plan, the Council will be an independent body appointed by Cabinet and will have the power to investigate automatically (or after a charge has been made), claims, information or charges of corruption, breaches of police duty or serious violation of human rights by members of the police force.
The draft legislation will be passed on to the Attorney-general’s office for legal analysis, said the spokesman.

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