russian diplomat — A post-mortem examination has confirmed that a Russian diplomat in Cyprus died by hanging. The tragic news emerged following the discovery of A.V. Panov’s body in his office at the embassy last Thursday, January 8.
- Authorities anticipate that Panov’s body will be returned to Russia in the coming days.
According to the results of the examination conducted on Monday, Panov’s death was attributed to asphyxiation by hanging. The Russian Embassy described the incident as a “deeply personal tragedy” and is currently coordinating with Cypriot authorities for the repatriation of the diplomat’s remains to Moscow.
Cypriot police were notified of Panov’s death several hours after his body was found. Upon arrival at the embassy in Nicosia, officers faced restrictions that prevented them from conducting a standard forensic investigation within the premises. Instead, the body was transferred to the officers in the embassy courtyard.
Embassy staff indicated that Panov had taken his own life and mentioned that he left a note. However, this note was not submitted to the Cyprus Police and is expected to be sent directly to Moscow for further examination.
The timing of this distressing event coincides with an increase in geopolitical tensions. President Nikos Christodoulides recently stated that the Republic of Cyprus is enduring an “organised hybrid attack” from Russian disinformation networks. This declaration coincides with Cyprus assuming the Presidency of the Council of the European Union and its supportive stance towards Ukraine.
Authorities anticipate that Panov’s body will be returned to Russia in the coming days.
