Article Tools

The body of Tassos Papadopoulos, the former president of The Republic of Cyprus has been taken from its grave.

Image via Wikipedia

The former president of The Republic of Cyprus Tassos Papadopoulos, died of lung cancer on the 12Th December 2008, and a memorial service to mark the anniversary went ahead today, despite the fact that grave snatchers took his body. It is not known who took his body and the police are still searching for clues, and the residents of the Greek Cypriot community are in shock.

President Papadopoulos had served the southern, unoccupied side of the island from 2003 to 2008 and was highly respected by the Greek Cypriot people.

.

Read more in Europe
« Body Stolen from The Grave
Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi Suffers a Broken Nose, Two Missing Teeth and Multiple Cuts to His Face »

Image via Wikipedia

There has been no claim by any party for responsibility of this theft and the police state it was a well organised crime, involving a possible three to four strong people.

Emotions are running high, residents are angry and confused as to who would do this and why. There is a call for people to keep calm. Cyprus is locked in delicate talks between both sides for peace and reuniting the island. 

This is the statement from the present Greek Cypriot president, Demetris Christofias:

Image via Wikipedia

“This is an unacceptable, unholy, unethical and condemnable act that damages our tradition, our culture and our respect toward the dead,” he said, adding: “It damages our tradition, our culture and our respect toward the dead. Cypriots must remain calm in the face of this provocative act. I cannot think of any other words to describe this incident.“

There is now concern that the former unrest between the two sides of the island, will flare up because of this incident. Several Greek Cypriots think the perpetrators are from the North side of Cyprus and part of the Turkish community.There is no evidence of who has taken his body and only speculation.

Author’s personal note:

It is a sad day for many of my Cypriot friends, they were waiting to pay their respects to their former president. The news came of the disruption to this memorial event and there was sadness. Prayers were said for the family, and respect was high for them when they said it should go ahead.

I personally feel it is a cold hearted person who can tamper with the resting place of the dead. I hope they have not stirred up the unrest of the past by such a dramatic act.