Police Chief Stelios Papatheodorou asked for detailed information about the incident the day before yesterday at Larnaca airport, where two high-ranking bodyguards allegedly reacted strongly when they were asked to undergo a PCR molecular detection test.
According to "P" sources, Mr. Papatheodorou requested and received information from competent persons in relation to the incident, in order to form a complete picture of the disputed events.
He was, among other things, sent the official report of the Civil Aviation on what happened the day before yesterday, early in the afternoon, through the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Works, which from the first moment had relevant information.
However, for the time being, there is no question of initiating an administrative or disciplinary investigation for the two senior executives of the body. As we have been duly informed, no complaint has been lodged to justify the initiation of proceedings against them.
The happening
The two members of the force, who serve in key positions of the Cyprus Police, were passengers on flight CY473 that arrived from Preveza, on Wednesday (18/08) at 14:30.
All passengers were randomly selected on the instructions of the Ministry of Health in order to undergo molecular coronavirus detection test (PCR). They were then escorted to the designated point ("4"), northeast of the international airport, below the arrivals hall.
Under circumstances under investigation, an issue arose with the two members of the Police, when employees of the company conducting the tests at the airport, tried to take a sample.
According to testimonies, the high-ranking officers, who wore civilian clothes, were strongly dissatisfied, stating that they had undergone a PCR test the day before. One of the two allegedly put up with employees and, displaying a police ID, stated that "if I want, I will arrest you".
Here, it should be noted that the two members of the force put forward the position that all the passengers reacted and that they were not the only ones who expressed disagreement.
Eventually, the situation calmed down when members of the Police serving at the airport went there, with the two officers undergoing a test.
The report of PA
"P" is able to know points of the Civil Aviation report on the disputed events. As recorded, among other things, “during the random check Covid-19 of flight CY473, two passengers, senior police officers, refused to undergo PCR control ".
"They threatened and pushed…"
It is added that "{… δυο threatened and pushed two members of… (note the name of the company) until the arrival of the Police, when the incident ended. "Most of the passengers spoke out against the two police officers."
The same information states that, in the written report that is known to both the Ministry of Transport and the Police, the names of the officers are recorded.
However, the specific point of the airport, where the tests take place, is not covered by closed circuit (CCTV).
The issue escalated when passengers of the flight complained, who considered the reaction of the officers excessive.
In addition, according to a person who spoke to "P", in the Cyprus Flight Pass that is issued electronically for each passenger before departure, there is a note that clarifies that upon arrival, a coronavirus molecular test may be performed.
It is reported that, on the occasion of the whole incident, the leadership of the Police, and without taking a position on the disputed facts (after all, it is under consideration), sent a message that it demands from each member of the force to comply with the measures, as it is obliged to do the same for every citizen.
Source: Politis