Cypriot donkeys in Cypriot law

A 32-year-old Cypriot man who killed his wife, injured their child, then committed suicide, owned an Army-issue assault rifle which was given back to him by the Cypriot police, despite the authorities’ awareness of his violent past, Sarah Fenwick reported last week.

Cypriot Police:
we like issuing speeding fines
but don't expect us to do any real police work

   

Georgia Georgiou, 27, of Limassol, had complained to the police about her husband’s violence.  In September 2013, Pantelis Charilaou’s military-issue G3 rifle was confiscated by the police, but returned to him within 24 hours because the police were unable to obtain a court order legally permitting the permanent confiscation of the weapon.  

Were all the judges on holiday?  Or was it a weekend?

Another excuse from the police was that the complaint was not made in writing, so they couldn’t do anything about it, Maria Gregoriou reported on Saturday. 

Can't anybody in the Cypriot police force write?

In fear and despair, Georgia moved back to her mother’s house in the village of Ayios Ioannis, about 30 km outside Limassol, in the foothills of the Troodos forest. 

Last Monday (30/9/13) around 10:20 p.m. after an argument at Ayios Ioannis, Charilaou shot his wife dead in front of their ten-year-old daughter, before killing himself.  The child was wounded in the hand and underwent surgery, but survived. 

There are 3 surviving orphans.

The Cypriot National Guard:
get your free guns here

Under Cypriot law, it is illegal for civilians to own firearms without a permit showing “valid cause” such as “hunting, target shooting, collectors’ items, or for personal protection.” (Target shooting?)  However, National Guardsmen (military service is compulsory in Cyprus) are issued with G3 A3 rifles.  Are reservists allowed to take weapons home and nobody in the army notices?

   

This terrible tragedy highlights the ongoing failures of the Cypriot law and justice system, the police, the Ministry of Defence, military commanders at grass roots level, and government initiatives.  Saddest of all is that that young woman who lost her life unnecessarily received no help at all from the authorities.  

"It could have been avoided," said the government advisory committee.  Understatement of the year.  

The Association for the Prevention and Handling of Violence in the Family 

is an EU-funded, non-profit NGO based in Nicosia that operates a free helpline, from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily, including weekends and holidays.  The charity can arrange safe house accommodation.  Freephone 1440.  

More helpline volunteers are always needed.  Training provided.  

Patron saint of abused women: Saint Rita of Cascia.  
Novena to Saint Rita.