Justice Minister Loucas Louca said Tuesday that the culprits responsible for the theft of the remains of former president Tassos Papadopoulos had demanded ransom from his family.

“Ransom was asked for but it was not paid,” said Louca.

He said police had recommended that no payment be made.

But there was a denial on behalf of the family.

Chryssis Pantelides a close associate of the former President on behalf of family insisted that there was no ransom demand or payment.

He called for responsibility from all those in positions of influence.

The former president’s body was found in Strovolos Cemetery Monday after a tip off to police,

His remains were taken December 11 a day before the 12 month anniversary of this death.

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