A KEY prosecution witness in a murder trial has had a change of heart about testifying and now faces charges in connection with last summer’s murder of Michalis Kakathymis.
Police spokesman Michalis Katsounotos yesterday confirmed that a person put on the witness protection programme has done an about turn, having withdrawn his statements, and will now face criminal prosecution.
Politis yesterday reported that the person in question is Panayiotis Kondos from Mouttayiaka. The 34-year-old allegedly confessed to police last year that he had played an active role in the murder of ex-cabaret boss Kakathymis, who was gunned down in a Limassol cafe bar last July.
Having cooperated fully with police, Kondos was later put under the witness protection programme in exchange for testifying against the alleged mastermind of the professional hit, convict Soteris Athinis, who is currently serving time in the Nicosia Central Prison. Two more suspects were due to stand trial with Athinis, his relative Andreas Alexandrou and another man, Lazaros Lazarou.
However, just days before the trial was due to begin, Kondos had a change of heart and withdrew his statements, leading police to remove all privileges under the witness protection programme and arrest him in connection with the murder.
According to Politis, despite being closely watched by police under the protection programme, a few days ago Kondos managed to slip away unnoticed by his guards from his Nicosia location and spend a few free hours in Limassol.
The Legal Service yesterday suspended the prosecution of the three defendants and requested a new trial of the three suspects plus Kondos. The trial against the four suspects will begin next month at the criminal court on May 26. The Limassol court ordered that Kondos remain in custody until trial, along with Athinis who is already incarcerated, while Alexandrou and Lazarou were released under certain conditions.
Asked if Kondos’ about turn had to with threats against his life, Katsounotos said there was no such issue, refusing to give reasons for the change of position. The police spokesman warned that the incident should not be used as an excuse to slate the witness protection programme. Any problems that have appeared will be discussed with the Attorney-general who is responsible for the programme, and the necessary decisions taken, he said.
Regarding reports that Kondos had given his guards the slip before deciding to reverse his position, Katsounotos said just because a person is enrolled in the witness protection programme, this doesn’t imply the deprivation of personal liberty. They can move where they like and when they like based on the discretionary measures police choose to adopt, he added.
