Cyprus Police investigating theft of Tassos Papadopoulos’ remains

Unknown persons violated the grave of former President of the Republic of Cyprus Tassos Papadopoulos, who passed away last year, and removed the body on Thursday night, a few hours ahead of the first annual memorial service.

According to available information, unknown persons removed the body from the coffin and disappeared.

The Police have cordoned off the area and access to the cemetery in the community of Deftera is prohibited.

The open grave was found on Friday morning by a member of Tassos Papadopoulos' guard, who lit the vigil candle at the grave every morning.

On hearing the news, the members of Tassos Papadopoulos' family went to the cemetery, as well as former Minister of Finance Makis Keravnos.

Chief of Police Michalis Papageorgiou, Assistant Chief of Police Andreas Iatropoulos, and Nicosia Police Director Kypros Michaelides, are also at the cemetery, where the Headquarters' Criminal Investigation Department is carrying out investigations.

Chrysis Pantelides, a former close associate of Tassos Papadopoulos, described the incident as criminal and sacrilegious.

Sources said the memorial service scheduled for Saturday will be held as planned at the church of Saint Nicholas in Kato Deftera.