Tragic Incident Exposes Exploitation of Migrant Workers in Limassol
In a somber revelation of the exploitation faced by migrant workers, the death of a Bangladeshi national has brought to light the grim reality of illegal employment and the profiteering from cheap labor. The incident, which occurred during a police raid in Limassol’s city center, has sparked an outcry for justice and transparency in the handling of such operations.
According to police sources, efforts are now focused on locating the landlord and employers of 11 Bangladeshi migrants who were residing in an apartment deemed unsafe. The group, discovered to be illegal migrants, had been detained following the operation on Wednesday. The apartment, rented for €2,000, was split among the occupants, forcing them into cramped living conditions on the fifth floor of the building.
The deceased, a 23-year-old man, tragically fell to his death in an attempt to escape through a window during the raid. Another young man, aged 22, suffered a fall from the balcony, resulting in severe injuries. He is currently receiving treatment at Limassol general hospital and is reported to be in improving condition.
The political party Akel has urged authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into the conduct of the police during the raid. Questions have been raised about the use of force, the oversight of the property owner, and the identities of those who have been employing the migrants illegally. The police have defended their actions, stating that standard procedure was followed and that no warrant was necessary for such operations. The case has since been escalated to police headquarters in Nicosia for further examination.
As the nine remaining migrants face detention and the processing of their paperwork continues, this tragic event has highlighted the urgent need for reforms to protect vulnerable workers from exploitation and ensure that all employment within Cyprus adheres to legal and ethical standards.
