He “sees” vote-seeking motives and political party interference Vassos Christodoulou, President of the Association of Prisoners of War of 1974, behind the inclusion of ineligible individuals on the list of prisoners of war from the Cypriot tragedy, through which allowances and benefits are provided to Cypriot citizens. Appearing as a guest on the Alpha News program, he spoke about testimonies from individuals who were not eligible to receive benefits before the Association, regarding interference
“I know of cases because two people came and told us. Some political parties, to get 5–10 votes, slipped them in through the back door. We’re in Cyprus—is this the first time you’ve heard of this? These people aren’t in the registries. They were caught, had forms filled out for them at Social Security, and were processed through Social Security. They aren’t listed in the Red Cross records, nor in those of the Ministry of Defense, nor in those of the Ministry of the Interior.”
ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ
SEE ALSO: 1974 Deserter Receives… Prisoner-of-War Allowance
In light of the Audit Office’s findings—including that a 1974 deserter is receiving a prisoner-of-war allowance— Mr. Christodoulou explained that the Association has already requested detailed lists from the Audit Office in order to “cross-reference” with the Prisoner-of-War Registers to identify those who are not eligible.
At the same time, the Legal Service and the Cyprus Police have been asked to assist in investigating “suspicious” cases.
SEE ALSO: Prisoners of War: 52 Years Without Reliable Registers, From Benefits to the Wounds of 1974
READ ALSO: Eight cases with “gray areas” regarding prisoner-of-war benefits; 852 beneficiaries under scrutiny
