Investigation Demanded After Tragic Incident in Limassol
In the wake of a tragic event that resulted in the death of a Bangladeshi national, the Progressive Party of Working People (AKEL) is calling for an immediate and thorough investigation. The incident occurred during a migrant raid when the individual fell from the fifth floor of a building in Limassol while reportedly trying to escape police.
AKEL has raised serious concerns regarding the operation, questioning the legal protocols followed by the police during the search. The party’s statement emphasized the need for clarity on whether excessive force was used, the role of the property owner, and accountability for those employing migrants illegally.
The party highlighted the broader issue of exploitation of migrants as cheap labor in Cyprus, describing it as an “abscess” that needs to be addressed by the state. According to AKEL, this exploitation contributes to a cycle of illegal and undeclared work that must be stopped.
The incident unfolded early Wednesday when officers from the Alien and Immigration Service, acting on intelligence, arrived at an apartment suspected of housing undocumented migrants. As police entered, two individuals tried to flee, leading to one man’s fatal fall and another sustaining severe injuries.
Ten individuals found in the apartment were detained and taken to Limassol Police Headquarters on suspicion of being undocumented. Lefteris Kyriakou, head of the Limassol Criminal Investigation Department (CID), stated to the Cyprus News Agency that search warrants are not a legal necessity for such immigration checks.
The call for an investigation into these events reflects growing concerns over migrant rights and the treatment of foreign workers in Cyprus. The outcome of this investigation could have significant implications for immigration enforcement and labor practices within the country.
