**MP Diana Constantinides Vows to Combat Femicides Following Personal Tragedy**
In a powerful statement this week, Direct Democracy MP Diana Constantinides has committed to addressing violence against women throughout her five-year term in office. Her determination is deeply personal; she lost her mother, Christine Constantinides, to a brutal crime in 1993 when she was just a child.
During an appearance on Sigma TV, Constantinides recounted the tragic story of her mother, who was originally from Sweden. Christine, aged 28 at the time, was reported missing on June 7, 1993. Her body was discovered later that year, in November, after a lengthy search that revealed she had been raped and murdered. The case gained notoriety when Antonis Prokopiou Kitas, known as ‘Al Capone,’ confessed to the crime, along with the murder of another woman, 21-year-old Oxana Lisna from Romania, who had also gone missing in 1993.
The investigation uncovered that Kitas had an accomplice, Michalis Iacovides, who was also implicated in the murders. Initially, Kitas attempted to shift the blame onto another individual, Andros Kalopsidiotis, but once Iacovides was apprehended, he admitted to both crimes. Kitas was ultimately sentenced to two life terms in prison in 1994. His criminal history also includes multiple escapes from custody and involvement in the exhumation of former president Tassos Papadopoulos in 2009, leading to further legal troubles.
Reflecting on her mother’s murder, Constantinides emphasized the lasting impact of such violence, stating, “A murder causes collateral damage.” She noted that the emotional toll extends beyond the immediate victims, affecting families and communities. “No woman should be a victim of attempted murder or femicide,” she asserted, highlighting the need for systemic change to protect women.
During a recent session of the House human rights committee, which focused on violence against women and recent femicides, Constantinides shared her personal narrative to underscore the urgency of addressing these issues. She poignantly expressed, “Having your mother taken from you, the person we all need so much, is not just a legal issue. It is a deeply personal matter.”
Diana Constantinides also acknowledged the role of support systems in overcoming such tragedies, crediting her father and husband for their unwavering support during her difficult times. “They became my knees that buckled. They became the voice I lost,” she said, emphasizing the importance of having a support network for those affected by violence.
As part of her commitment to fighting femicides, Constantinides has urged women experiencing abuse or intimidation to seek help. “Whether it is 1993 or 2026, the consequences are the same. Human pain remains the same,” she stated, reinforcing the idea that the struggle against violence towards women is ongoing and requires collective action.
Constantinides’ pledge reflects a broader societal concern regarding the prevalence of violence against women and the urgent need for legislative and social reforms to protect vulnerable individuals. Her personal story serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost of such violence and the necessity for a concerted effort to prevent future tragedies.
As she embarks on her term, Diana Constantinides aims to be a voice for those affected by violence, advocating for policies that prioritize the safety and well-being of women in Cyprus.