New probe into Thanasis Nicolaou’s death reveals bullying and alleged military cover-up

·

Fresh findings from the ongoing criminal investigation into the 2005 death of National Guardsman Thanasis Nicolaou have uncovered a troubling pattern of bullying, drug use, and alleged cover-up by senior military officials, according to a report submitted to the Law Office of the Republic of Cyprus.

Nicolaou, a 26-year-old architect who returned from Australia to complete his national service, was found dead under the Alassa bridge in Limassol in September 2005.

Initially ruled a suicide, a 2020 exhumation and forensic reanalysis confirmed he had been strangled, shifting the case into a criminal investigation.

Led by investigators Pappas and Athanasiou, the latest inquiry includes testimony from fellow soldiers describing sustained bullying, hazing, and isolation of Nicolaou.

He was reportedly forced into humiliating acts, refused to participate in illegal activities, and was ostracised for his stance.

Several witnesses described unchecked cannabis use within the barracks, with soldiers openly smoking near dormitories and officers turning a blind eye. The unit was marked by a lack of discipline, with soldiers regularly leaving the camp undetected.

Crucially, multiple testimonies suggest Nicolaou may have been ambushed outside the camp, with a planned act of intimidation escalating into fatal violence. Witnesses believe his body was deliberately placed under the bridge to simulate suicide.

Nicolaou had reportedly confided in two individuals about tensions with specific soldiers. According to the investigation, senior officers knew of the abuse he faced but failed to act.

“The entire hierarchy of the brigade knew what was happening… Rather than taking action, they downplayed or even potentially covered up the incidents,” the report stated.

On the day of his disappearance, Nicolaou’s mother warned his unit about ongoing bullying and urged them to contact police. The commanding officer declined, claiming her son would return, a decision investigators say may have altered the case’s outcome.

The report also criticises the original military inquiry, citing a conflict of interest by the officer in charge, who also served as duty supervisor the night Nicolaou disappeared.

The investigation, later deemed superficial by the European Court of Human Rights, had concluded suicide without thorough examination.

For the first time, responsibility has been formally attributed to two senior army officers. The case now awaits further legal review by the Law Office to determine next steps.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

St Benedict School in Mt Torrens rejects screens, embraces ancient Greek philosophy

Established in early 2024 by members of the Catholic Church of the Holy Name, St Benedict has grown to around 50 students.

Greece’s stolen treasures find a digital voice in UNESCO’s Vanishing Museum

UNESCO’s Virtual Museum of Stolen Cultural Objects, launched at MONDIACULT 2025 in Barcelona, offers a new way to confront cultural loss.

Michael Tassis included among SEQ’s leading hospitality bosses

With 11 venues already thriving and a twelfth on the way, Tassis has cemented his place as one of Queensland’s most dynamic restaurateurs.

EU to replace passport stamps with biometric border system

The E.U. is preparing to phase out traditional passport stamps for non-EU travelers, introducing a new digital border control program.

Parthenon free of scaffolding for the first time in 15 years

For the first time in over 15 years, Athenians and visitors can enjoy an unobstructed view of the Parthenon.

You May Also Like

Arthur Diles takes charge of Melbourne Victory FC after shock departure

Melbourne Victory FC has announced that Senior Assistant Coach Arthur Diles will take over as Head Coach of the A-League Men’s side.

Greece’s new campaign encourages tourists to demand receipt before paying

Tourists in Greece are being targeted by a new campaign 'Apodixi Please' that encourages them to demand a receipt before paying.

Greek flag flies high in Perth to honour the Evzones’ inaugural visit to the city

Crowds gathered in Perth, Western Australia today to witness Greece's Presidential Guard march down St Georges Terrace for the first time.