Defence Minister addresses concerns over relatives of terrorism suspect serving in the National Guard

Cypriot Defence Minister Vasilis Palmas stated on Thursday that public discussion regarding the employment of three contract soldiers (SYOP) and a police officer, who are children of a suspect in a terrorism investigation, should be handled with caution and responsibility. The investigation involves a suspected Hamas-linked network in the eastern Mediterranean, with multiple arrests made, including a man in his fifties in Cyprus. Minister Palmas emphasized that the children have performed their duties professionally and have not given any cause for suspicion or disciplinary concern. He urged the public and media to avoid stigmatizing the individuals based on their father's legal status. The Minister confirmed that authorities are monitoring the situation discreetly and that no evidence has emerged linking the children to any illicit activities. He stressed that personal reputation and ethics must be protected during ongoing police investigations. Additionally, during the exercise 'Dimitra-Nikitis 2026' in Larnaca, the Minister addressed the matter, reaffirming his confidence in the National Guard's human resource management.