Cyprus Attorney General Decides to Appeal Acquittal and Sentence in David Hunter Case in Paphos
JUSTICE ABROAD
“Here When You Need Us”
Justice Abroad represents Mr David Hunter, a 76-year-old British man who faced trial in Cyprus after the death of his wife, Janice Hunter, who was suffering from blood cancer. Justice Abroad is working with a top team of lawyers to fight for David Hunter, including Nicoletta Charalambidou, an experienced human rights advocate, and Ritsa Pekri, a criminal law expert.
David Hunter was tried before the Paphos Assize Court over a period of 17 months and on 21 July 2023 Mr Hunter was found not guilty of premeditated murder, a charge which carries a mandatory life sentence. He was convicted of manslaughter, a charge that he had offered to plead to before that resolution was taken away by the Prosecutor on the day it was to be entered. In their finding of 21 July 2023, the Court agreed with the defence position that this was not a case of premeditated murder as David had acted spontaneously to end the life of his wife of over 50 years, upon her begging him to do so because of the pain she was under and that his action was motivated by love for his wife of over 50 years.
On Monday 31 July 2023, David Hunter was given a 2-year sentence for the manslaughter conviction which resulted in his immediate release.
Michael Polak of Justice Abroad stated:
“We are obviously very disappointed with the Attorney General’s decision to appeal today which gets in the way of David getting on with his life. He has spent 19 months in prison and faced legal proceedings over that period that would be difficult for anyone, but especially for someone of his age.
This is a very sad matter; however, it is difficult to see how the continued pursuit of David assists anyone.
We will continue to fight for David before the Appeal Court of Cyprus as we have done throughout the lengthy mission to free David.
David would like to thank everyone from Cyprus, the United Kingdom, and around the world who have shown such strong support during his trial and since his release.”
The fact that the case will now be taken to appeal means that funds are needed to fight for David. To donate to the family’s campaign please visit https://www.crowdjustice.com/case/help-bring-david-home/ The family is overwhelmed with the generous donations they have received, and they thank each and every person who has donated.
For any questions in relation to this case please contact Justice Abroad by email at contact@JusticeAbroad.co.uk or phone on +44 (0)203 488 2316.
Notes to Editors
Justice Abroad, www.justiceabroad.co.uk has been set up to help those trying to find their way through foreign justice systems with all the associated hurdles that presents, to represent those facing gross breaches of their human rights no matter where this takes place, and to advise and assist the victims of crimes as to how to achieve justice.
Justice Abroad, run by international lawyer Michael Polak, has assembled a team of top investigators, lawyers, and support staff to provide unparalleled support, advice and guidance, legal, advocacy, and investigatory service for your Justice Abroad issues anywhere in the world. The Justice Abroad team with their trusted international pool of multilingual experts, their networks, and media contacts and their well-documented determination to leave no stone unturned in the search for the truth and justice for families who have been denied it are here to provide that much-needed support for families and individuals in their time of need.