Controversy Surrounds Police Raid in Limassol
In a recent turn of events, the Limassol police force is facing serious allegations regarding a raid that led to the tragic death of a Bangladeshi national. Anisur Rahman, 24, lost his life after falling from a window while reportedly trying to escape from officers during the controversial operation.
Amidst the turmoil, lawyer Michalis Paraskevas has openly criticized the police for not possessing a search warrant at the time they entered the fifth-floor flat, which was home to 11 Bangladeshi men. The NGO Kisa has taken action by filing a complaint with the independent authority responsible for overseeing complaints against police officers, challenging the force’s account of the incident.
Kisa chairman Doros Polykarpou provided a starkly different narrative, alleging that the door was forcibly broken down and that multiple officers entered the flat, handcuffing individuals amidst the chaos. This directly contradicts the police’s statement that two officers were allowed into the flat consensually. The apartment in question had been deemed unsafe yet was still being rented out for €2,000.
The aftermath of the raid saw not only the death of Rahman but also left another young man in serious condition after a fall. Kisa has expressed frustration over being denied information regarding his health status.
Police spokesman Christos Andreou has maintained that officers acted within their rights, as the individuals involved were living in Cyprus illegally. He compared the raid to a census check, suggesting that no warrant was necessary for such operations. However, Paraskevas vehemently disagrees, stating that entry without a warrant is only permissible if someone’s safety is at risk.
The incident has sparked calls for an investigation into the conduct of the raid and has raised questions about the longstanding practices of police operations. The community is responding with a planned protest to honor Rahman’s memory and to demand accountability.
As for the landlord of the dangerous building, police have indicated an ongoing investigation but have yet to provide further details. The public awaits further developments as this story continues to unfold.
