**Presidential Pardon Sees Attempted Murder Convict Released from Prison**
In a significant legal development, Charalambos Chrysanthou, a man serving a 35-year prison sentence for multiple attempted murders and previous convictions for rape, has been granted a presidential pardon, resulting in his release after approximately six years in custody. The decision has sparked discussions regarding the implications of such pardons on public safety and the judicial system.
Chrysanthou, who is commonly known by the nickname "Hamburger," was sentenced in July 2020 by the Larnaca and Famagusta permanent criminal courts after he pleaded guilty to 24 charges stemming from two separate attempted murder cases involving five victims. His criminal history is extensive, including a prior conviction for the rape and assault of a woman in Paphos, for which he was sentenced to five years in prison just two months before his attempted murder sentencing.
The pardon was reportedly granted with the approval of Attorney-General George Savvides and his deputy, Savvas Angelides. As part of the conditions of his release, Chrysanthou is required to leave Cyprus by July 1 and is prohibited from returning until 2040. Without this suspension, his prison term would have extended until 2055.
This decision is part of a witness protection program operated by the drugs squad (Ykan), which allows convicted offenders to receive sentence reductions or suspensions in exchange for providing evidence against co-defendants in ongoing criminal proceedings. The specifics of Chrysanthou's cooperation with law enforcement have not been disclosed, raising questions about the nature and extent of his involvement in assisting authorities.
Chrysanthou's criminal activities included serious offenses such as conspiracy to commit murder, attempted murder, illegal possession and transportation of firearms, and drug-related crimes. Notably, one of the attempted murders involved an attack on Constantinos Charalambous, known as ‘Mavros,’ in Larnaca on November 27, 2019. The second case involved a shooting at a café in Ayia Napa on February 16, 2020, where a businessman was targeted, resulting in injuries to four patrons.
During the sentencing, the criminal court condemned Chrysanthou's actions, describing them as displaying “a devastating and inconceivably provocative disrespect for human life.” The judge emphasized that the absence of fatalities was “solely due to the good fortune of the victims.” The court characterized the Ayia Napa shooting as a ruthless act, where Chrysanthou fired indiscriminately into a crowd, fully aware that his intended target was not present. In the Larnaca incident, the court noted his persistent and brutal approach, repeatedly shooting at the victim under surprise conditions.
Chrysanthou's previous convictions include a May 2020 ruling from the Paphos criminal court, which sentenced him to concurrent prison terms of five and two years for rape and assault causing grievous bodily harm. The court's judgment detailed the violent nature of the assault, where he physically attacked the complainant before forcing her into sexual intercourse while threatening her with his criminal history, stating, “You know who I am, I did 17 years in prison.”
In addition to his Cypriot convictions, Chrysanthou has a prior criminal record in Greece, where he was sentenced to ten years in prison and fined €100,000 in 2015 for a drug offense. He was released in 2016.
The presidential pardon of Chrysanthou has raised concerns among the public and legal experts regarding the balance between rehabilitation and public safety. Critics argue that releasing individuals with such a violent history poses a risk to society, while proponents of the pardon system assert that cooperation with law enforcement can lead to a safer environment by dismantling criminal networks.
As the news of Chrysanthou's release circulates, it remains to be seen how this decision will impact public perceptions of the judicial system in Cyprus and the effectiveness of the witness protection program. The broader implications for crime and safety in the region will likely be a topic of ongoing discussion in the community.