First criminal charges filed over explosion

POLICE YESTERDAY filed the first criminal cases on the Mari naval base blast against three National Guard (NG) officers, it transpired last night.

According to state broadcaster CyBC, police investigations into the July 11 blast which killed 13 firemen and soldiers and incapacitated the island’s biggest power plant, led police to file two cases against the National Guardsmen, two of whom are senior officers, at the Nicosia District Court.

Citing sources, the broadcaster said the first case involves two military officials charged with three offences: obstructing police investigations, neglect of duty and conspiracy to commit an offence.

Police will reportedly make a case that after the explosion, the two allegedly forged dates in a report compiled just days before the explosion. The dates relate to the handling of the containers and the dangers they posed, and are considered crucial to determining whether blame can be apportioned for any actions or omissions that led to the explosion and death of 13 people.

The two officers will respond to the charges on August 25.

In the second case filed, the third military official will be charged with providing police with false information and obstructing their work. He will respond to the charges on September 14.

Three NG officers were suspended on August 2 in connection with the criminal investigation into the events that lead to the blast. A fourth officer was transferred to a different unit while on August 10, the  cabinet sacked the NG’s deputy commander for reasons of ‘national interest’.

The Defence Minister and NG Commander had both resigned hours after the blast.

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