Blast targeting public prosecutor a ‘despicable act’ (Update 1)

A bomb explosion at a state prosecutor’s home in Paphos was condemned on Thursday as a “despicable act” by the legal service and justice ministry.

The incident unfolded on Wednesday night injuring the 58-year-old prosecutor, and causing damage to her house, where she lives with her family.

The house is located in the Anavargou area and the explosion occurred around 9.50pm outside the kitchen door of the home. The woman works at the Paphos district court.

CNA reported that the woman was at home with her family when the blast happened. She was taken to Paphos hospital and after receiving first aid was discharged.

In a statement, the legal service said it condemned the incident in “the strongest terms.”

“The state cannot tolerate such attacks which are intended to harm the rule of law and justice. We hope that the case will be fully resolved, the perpetrators identified and brought to justice.

“Such despicable actions will not stand in the way of carrying out our mission.”

Similarly, Justice Minister Anna Procopiou called the explosion an “absolutely reprehensible criminal act.”

She said the government would not tolerate such acts, pledging that she personally, as well as the police leadership “have made it a priority to solve this case so that the perpetrators are identified as soon as possible and held accountable for their actions.”

Police were at the scene at first light Thursday morning to gather evidence. It had remained cordoned off overnight.

The legal service expressed its support to the prosecutor and her family, wishing her a speedy recovery. Procopiou also said she stood by members of the judiciary and defends their work, which is an integral pillar of the rule of law.