Family of dead soldier protest outside palace

Family and friends of murdered soldier Thanasis Nicolaou held a protest outside the presidential palace on Sunday, demanding clarification over how events unfolded and the administration of justice.

“There is no vindication without the arrest and punishment of the ruthless killers of Thanasis and the perpetrators of the family’s long struggle” his mother Andriana said, adding that the mockery must stop.

The event was attended by one of the criminal investigators, Savvas Matsas, candidates for the presidency of the republic, party representatives and ordinary citizens.

Director of the president’s press office Andreas Iosif spoke with the mother and assured her the appropriate steps would be taken.

Thanasis’ body was found under a bridge in Alassa in 2005. His death was deemed a suicide, but after his remains were exhumed two years ago over suspicions of foul play, further autopsies showed he had been beaten and strangled.

One of the investigators charged with carrying out the third inquiry into his death said last year that criminal acts had been committed.