Family of Cyprus missing files application against Turkey

The family of a Greek Cypriot, missing since the 1974 Turkish invasion of Cyprus, has filed an application before the European Course of Human Rights against Turkey.

A press release issued by the lawyer of the family, Christos Triantafyllides said that the recourse was filed after it was ascertained through coronary exams that Demetris Koutras Charalambous was shot twice on the head in cold blood after he was tortured.

Charalambous remains were recently unearthed and identified through the DNA method.

According to the statement of facts Charalambous was unlawfully and illegally arrested by military forces of the Republic of Turkey and/or by persons under their direct orders and/or command and/or instructions and without any due process of Law, he was placed under detention, his free movements and liberty were deprived of him and he was subsequently tortured and shot and killed, thus being deprived of his family without any lawful reason or excuse.

The deceased was then 47 years old and was last seen by the applicants, his spouse and children, on 15 August 1974 at his village of Eptakomi which is now and since 15 August 1974 under Turkish occupation.

In July 2007 Charalambous was identified through DNA examinations. He was found with two fatal bullet injuries in the head and other bodily injuries caused by torture.