Voire Dire Challenge Starts in David Hunter Case on Lack of Lawyer and Translation

JUSTICE ABROAD

“Here When You Need Us”

Justice Abroad represents Mr David Hunter, a 75-year-old British man who was facing murder charges in Cyprus after the death of his wife who was suffering from terminal blood cancer. Justice Abroad is working with Cypriot lawyers Nicoletta Charalambidou, an experienced human rights advocate, and Ritsa Pekri, a criminal law expert on this case.

Today, 9 January 2023, a voire dire, trial within trial, began in relation to whether Mr Hunter was given his right to a lawyer, independent translation, and cautioned before statements were taken from him. Three officers were called and were cross-examined in this regard.  The case was then adjourned until 9.30am on 17 January 2023 where the prosecution will call some further witnesses and Mr Hunter is likely to give evidence in relation to the point in issue.

Previously this case was adjourned on a number of occasions for the charge to be changed to manslaughter by the Attorney General of the Republic of Cyprus. However, despite defence agreement to the prosecution’s versions of the facts, at the hearing where the charge was to be charged the prosecution decided to go against what was previously agreed and refused to change the charge to manslaughter. At the hearing today, the Court inquired as to whether the prosecution might consider such a change again and they stated that that option is off the table.

Michael Polak, director of Justice Abroad, has stated that:

 “The voire dire, trial within trial, which is currently being held, is to challenge the fact that David did not have a lawyer nor translator when key statements were taken from him.

Cypriot Law was found by the Supreme Court of Cyprus not to conform with European provisions on the right to a lawyer in the Ayia Napa Rape Case appeal in that in Cypriot law one has the right to a lawyer from the point of charge whilst the European Directive gives this right to an individual from as soon as they are a suspect.  The Supreme Court stated that the protections provided by the Directive must be the operative provisions to be applied in Cyprus.

We will continue to do everything we can to fight for David and we thank those from the United Kingdom, Cyprus, and the rest of the world for their support.”

The fact that this matter has now reverted to what will be a long-lasting trial has added to the costs for the family in regard to David’s case. To donate 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.