Several dead ends but no sign of stolen body

POLICE yesterday said they have questioned numerous individuals in connection with the stolen remains of late former president Tassos Papadopoulos but so far there has been no breakthrough in the case that shocked the island.
Between Thursday night and Friday morning, unknown individuals dug up the grave of Papadopoulos, stealing his remains in an act of desecration that has left authorities baffled.
Police spokesman Michalis Katsounotos said yesterday they have questioned numerous individuals and searched several places after receiving information about suspicious activity “without however any positive results.”
According to Politis, in one case the police searched the hideout of the EOKA second-in-command Gregoris Afxentiou in Macheras after receiving information the body was there.
Authorities believe the act was the work of a group of people who carried out in a highly organised manner.
No mechanical equipment was used to lift the 250kg granite slab lying over the tomb, or to dig deep into the muddy grave.
On reaching the coffin, the perpetrators were able to remove the body of Papadopoulos, leaving the coffin behind.
Katsounotos said the forensics team have found some evidence, which is currently being examined to determine whether they are pertinent to the case.
Authorities are looking into various scenarios in trying to determine the perpetrators’ motive.
Included in this is the possibility of the body being held for ransom.
So far the family has not received a ransom demand nor the police have such information, Katsounotos said.
The theft of the former president’s body on the eve of the first annual memorial service of his death made the headlines around the world, coming on all major channels and news sites, including the front pages of all papers in the north.
A memorial service did go ahead on Saturday, with people packing the Ayios Nicholas Church and yard in Deftera to pay their respects to the man who is widely remembered for his rallying call to the people to reject the Annan plan in 2004.
The memorial service was led by Archbishop Chrysostomos II, in the presence of the family and political leaders from Cyprus and Greece

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