THE CHIEF of police yesterday rejected criticism that the police acted unlawfully in the case concerning MEP Marios Matsakis who allegedly sought £10,000 to help acquit a police officer involved in a manslaughter case.
Police have been accused of trapping the MEP while some legal circles suggested that the recordings of the meetings were made illegally.
The case became public after daily Politis published a confidential police report, which detailed the events, including the meetings and telephone conversations between the MEP and the police officer.
Chief Tassos Panayiotou yesterday repeated that the force had acted properly and expressed hope that a chance would be given for the truth to shine so that people could realise that.
“I repeat our position for the umpteenth time: in light of the investigation of a criminal case we respect the institutions and do not publicise our positions, even if insinuations are left lingering, which in any case I reject because police acted within the law throughout the procedure,” Panayiotou said.
The Chief revealed that that case file, handed over to the attorney-general on Friday, included suggestions for the lifting of Matsakis’ immunity.
“The file has been completed with the testimonies and handed over to the attorney-general who will study it and position himself,” Panayiotou said.
He added that he was ready to testify should the attorney-general deem it necessary.
Meanwhile DIKO deputy chairman Nicos Cleanthous said yesterday that the party would reassess its position if the attorney-general decided to request the lifting of Matsakis’ immunity.
“If there is a request to lift his immunity maybe the first thing is for Matsakis not to object, though it is his right,” Cleanthous said.
He added that the party could suspend him from participating in the party mechanism but nether actions take away his rights.
The final decision in the case now belonged to Solon Nikitas who rejected a police request to lift Matsakis’ immunity back in April citing lack of evidence.
Two months later, and after the issue became public, Nikitas ruled that police could launch an investigation into the case but without questioning Matsakis for the time being.
