POLICE yesterday refused to comment on whether they planned to launch an investigation into who was behind the circulation of a graphic pornographic mobile phone video clip aired on state television this week.
The force’s evasiveness comes in direct contrast to comments made by Justice Minister Sophocleous Sophocleous, who told the Cyprus Mail yesterday such an investigation was under way, and even went so far as to stress that any person found responsible would face the full brunt of the law.
Sophocleous, who described the video clip as both shocking and sickening, said: “It was an unethical, wrongful, impermissible and unacceptable action [to circulate the video clip], which hurts the police force, hurts society and hurts each and every one of us.”
He said the case was being investigated and if proof was found of who was behind circulating the mobile message, or who had been responsible for its reproduction, that person would “certainly” face all necessary legal and disciplinary measures.
“But first it must be proven,” he said.
The video clip, a close-up recording of a woman performing oral sex on her partner, who is hidden from view, was broadcast on the CyBC’s main news bulletin on Tuesday night.
Although the state broadcaster attempted to blur the image, most viewers agreed it was quite clear what the woman was doing. The report also identified the woman as a Nicosia police officer.
The Mail has learned that police received numerous phone calls from citizens outraged that the CyBC had showed such obscene footage on prime time TV.
A police source said there was a possibility the person responsible for circulating the video clip was a fellow officer.
“It’s not certain, but unfortunately there is a strong likelihood that the man in the video clip, who is probably the person who forwarded the message on, is also a policeman. That matter is still currently under investigation,” the source said.
According to the same source, the victim has given some information to investigating officers, but is still too devastated to take the matter further.
“I’ve heard she’s found herself a lawyer. I don’t know if she will do anything about it though, because she hasn’t yet said,” the officer said.
The Cyprus Police Association yesterday issued a statement condemning the CyBC report.
“We whole-heartedly condemn such scandal mongering journalism, which insults all of our female officers as well as Woman in general, who must never be the object of mudslinging due to her gender. We wonder what this report’s intention was.
“In general, we condemn any time the press, print or electronic, takes an interest in citizens’ personal lives. We are of the opinion that the mass media’s mission beyond correct information is a contribution towards society’s reform.
“This kind of ‘pink news’ does nothing to contribute towards this.”
The association said it welcomed the Justice Minister’s and Police Chief’s immediate intervention.
