Death threats received by President Nikos Christodoulides may be linked to the trial of Turkish-Jewish land developer Simon Aykut, who was arrested in early June and is accused of the usurpation of Greek Cypriot properties in the north.
Police spokeswoman Kyriaki Lambrianidou confirmed on Monday the authorities were investigating the case and no further details could be given.
She told the Cyprus News Agency that “the President of the Republic has confirmed the incident and has faith in the authorities.”
Lambrianidou was unwilling to say if anyone had been taken in for questioning.
“Let us leave it here for the time being so that we can proceed with our investigative work,” she said.
According to local media, the message appeared to have been sent on Friday morning.
Aykut’s prison cell was searched and a television and personal notebook were confiscated.
A mobile phone and charger were found in staff restrooms.
It is believed the mobile phone used was not registered in the Republic.
Christodoulides on Saturday night confirmed that he had received a threat but failed to give any details.
“I confirm the incident and have complete faith in the authorities of the Republic of Cyprus, nothing more,” he said when asked if he had received threats.
Sources said the threat was not made over the phone but through social media. It is not clear if this happened in Cyprus.
Aykut’s lawyer, Maria Neophytou, said her client’s cell was searched and that she had officially requested to be briefed.
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