Andis Hadjicostis (Greek: Άντης Χατζηκωστής; September 12, 1968 in Nicosia – January 11, 2010[1]) was a Cypriot businessman and media mogul. Hadjicostis is credited with creating Sigma TV, a popular commercial television station in Cyprus, serving as the station's CEO.[2] He also served as the CEO of the private, family-owned Dias Media Group, which controls Cypriot television stations, radio and newspapers.[2] Hadjicostis modernized and reformed Dias during his tenure.[2]
Andis Hadjicostis was shot and killed with a shotgun on January 11, 2010, while leaving his home in the Engomi neighborhood of Nicosia.[2] He was 41 years old at the time of his murder.[2]
The Simerini, a Dias owned newspaper, printed the front page editorial headline, "Cowardly murder – they killed Andy Hadjicostis in cold blood."[2] Sigma TV switched to classical music programming on news of Hadjicostis' murder.[2]
Cypriot police allege that Hadjicostis was murdered by a former employee, Elena Skordelli, a presenter on one of the victim's television stations. Skordelli had recently been fired. Skordelli, her brother and two other men allegedly conspired to kill Hadjicostis.[3]
Elena Skordeli, her brother and the two other suspects were sentenced to life in prison in June 2013, for the conspiracy and murder of Andis Hadjicostis.[4]
References
edit- ^ "A businessman well liked by associates and friends". Cyprus Mail. January 13, 2010. Archived from the original on April 9, 2016. Retrieved November 18, 2011.
- ^ a b c d e f g "Cyprus TV boss Andis Hadjicostis murdered in Nicosia". Financial Mirror. January 12, 2010. Archived from the original on June 5, 2011. Retrieved February 10, 2010.
- ^ BBC News: Cyprus TV host Elena Skordelli tried for murder
- ^ Charalambous, Charlie (June 14, 2013). "The sacked TV host and a story of revenge: life in jail for mafia-style murder of millionaire media mogul". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved June 22, 2013.