Cyprus Refutes Allegations of Arrest Warrants Against Moroccan Officials
The Cypriot government has forcefully dismissed rumors circulating about the issuance of arrest warrants against Moroccan security officials. In a statement released on Friday, Theodoros Gotsis, spokesperson for the Cypriot Ministry of Foreign Affairs, unequivocally labeled these allegations as "completely unfounded."
According to Mr. Gotsis, both judicial and police authorities in Cyprus have verified that the claims are "fake news," and no arrest warrants have been issued against the individuals mentioned in media reports.
The misleading information initially originated from an APS report that relied on false statements made by an individual convicted of fraud in Italy.
Gotsis emphasized, "The competent authorities in Cyprus, namely the judicial and police services, confirm that these allegations are entirely baseless. This is pure misinformation; no criminal case or arrest warrant has been issued against the individuals mentioned in the reports."
In a dispatch titled "High-ranking Moroccan security officials subject to an international arrest warrant," published on January 16, 2024, the APS relied on false information provided by a Moroccan citizen convicted by the Italian justice system for fraud.
The Cypriot government categorically denies these false accusations and underscores its excellent relations with Morocco. Gotsis pointed out that these unfounded accusations harm diplomatic relations and reiterated the commitment of the Cypriot government to truth and integrity in international affairs.
Cypriot authorities urge the international community to meticulously verify the accuracy of information before dissemination, emphasizing the importance of relying on reliable and verified sources to prevent the spread of fake news and misinformation.
Moroccan diplomatic representatives also expressed gratitude to Cyprus for its swift response and rejection of these unfounded accusations, emphasizing the importance of maintaining international relations based on truth and mutual collaboration.