Defence Request to Change Charge to Assisting Suicide Currently Not Accepted by Prosecution in Case of David Hunter
JUSTICE ABROAD
“Here When You Need Us”
Defence Request to Change Charge to Assisting Suicide Currently Not Accepted by Prosecution in Case of David Hunter
British Pensioner on Trial for Murder in Cyprus after Death of his Terminally Ill Wife
Trial to Begin on Monday 18 April 2022 in Paphos Assize Court
Justice Abroad is assisting 74-year-old British pensioner David Hunter who is facing a murder charge in the Paphos Assize Court after the death of his wife in December 2021. Justice Abroad is working with Cypriot lawyer Nicoletta Charalambidou, an experienced human rights advocate, and Ritsa Pekri, a criminal law expert on Mr Hunter's case.
The teams made lengthy written submissions to the Attorney General of Cyprus in relation to the criminal case where Mr Hunter faces a sentence of life imprisonment if he is found guilty of murder. It was submitted to the Attorney General that it is not in the public interest to proceed with a criminal case against Mr Hunter given the circumstances of this case, and further, if he is against the defence on this point, that the charge of assisting suicide is much more appropriate than murder.
Under the Cypriot Constitution, the Attorney General is empowered to act 'in the public interest, to institute, conduct, take over and continue or discontinue any proceedings for an offence against any person...'
The Defence team has been informed that the request to the Attorney General to substitute assisting suicide has been rejected and Mr Hunter will face a trial for murder when he appears at Paphos Assize Court this Monday
It is understood that Mr Hunter's case is the first euthanasia cases to take place in Cyprus and it comes amongst moves in the Cypriot Parliament to legalise euthanasia against fierce opposition by Cyprus's Orthodox Church.
Justice Abroad's Michael Polak has stated: 'we put together lengthy submissions to the Attorney General's drawing on law and guidance from other jurisdictions explaining why a prosecution for murder is inappropriate in the circumstances of this case. We have been informed by the prosecution that these submissions have been rejected but no reasoning was given in the letter for this cause of action. We will continue to request that the prosecution in this case take the principled decision so that we can bring David back home to his daughter in the United Kingdom as soon as possible.'
David's daughter, Lesley, is supporting her father and interviews with her have previously been published by the press.
The family is raising funds to assist with the legal costs bringing David home. To donate please visit - https://www.crowdjustice.com/case/help-bring-david-home/ The family is overwhelmed with the generous donations, and they thank all those who have donated to assist in their mission to bring David home.
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.
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.