Cyprus Police Capture Escaped Romanian Detainee

A detainee who had escaped custody in Cyprus has been recaptured.

According to police reports, a 39-year-old Romanian man who fled from Nicosia General Hospital was found and arrested near the Latsia industrial zone, approximately one kilometer from where he escaped.

The escape occurred the previous day around 4:00 PM. The detainee exploited a shift change among the officers guarding him. One of the two officers went downstairs to the patrol car, leaving the suspect under the watch of the remaining officer. Taking advantage of this moment, the detainee asked for a glass of water. While the officer stepped away to get it, the man managed to free himself from his handcuffs and fled.

The 39-year-old had been in custody on theft charges in Nicosia. On January 6, he was transferred to the hospital after deliberately harming himself by swallowing razor blades, which had been provided to him while in detention.

Authorities are currently investigating how the escape was possible.

“We recognize that there are deficiencies in managing the custody of suspects and detainees, particularly when hospitalization is required due to health concerns. Hospitals lack the appropriate infrastructure for such situations,” the Chief of Police acknowledged.