THE FIVE criminal investigators appointed to examine the escape from hospital of convicted rapist and murderer Antonis Prokopiou Kitas, more commonly known as Al Capone, were yesterday instructed to leave no stone unturned.
By lunchtime, the five had already got to work to shed light on a case that has shocked the nation and deepened public mistrust in the reliability of state intuitions.
“They must act without fear, without emotion, without wavering before anyone who might be involved in this issue because the truth must be revealed, exactly as it is,” said Attorney-general Petros Clerides.
The AG said the investigators, appointed during Wednesday’s Cabinet meeting, would draw their own conclusions as soon as they could after examining the escape from every angle, including events preceding, during and following the incident.
“The public has a right to know the truth surrounding this issue, to know who is responsible, why they are responsible, if they were negligent, if it was due to any sort of corruption on their part, so that public faith in democratic institutions can be restored,” he said.
Clerides said the team had been told to let the investigation lead them as far up the ladder as it could go.
“If the Attorney-general is involved, they must not waver before the Attorney-general. If the Police Chief is involved, they must not hesitate and if the President of the Republic is involved, then again they must not hesitate,” he said.
No stone would be left uncovered, no person would be exempt from scrutiny, and anyone found involved in the issue would be apportioned responsibility, he said.
The Kitas debacle was a serious issue that smacked of corruption, negligence and indifference, the AG said.
Anyone found attempting to hinder the investigation, hiding evidence or changing their statements would be reported to the President of the Republic, he warned.
During the course of the investigation, members of the police force would be suspended if deemed necessary, he added.
As for the involvement of two private doctors in the affair, Clerides said they would be referred to the Medical Association if any incriminating evidence against them emerged.
“We are all concerned. A lot is being heard on this issue. Some of which can be verified, some not. That is precisely why this criminal investigation is being conducted,” he said.
