Limassol Protest Escalates Over Rent and Rahman Case Inquiry

Unrest in Limassol: Protest March Escalates

Limassol witnessed a protest march that escalated into a tense confrontation between demonstrators and law enforcement on Saturday afternoon. Initially, the demonstration focused on the pressing issue of high rents, with participants gathering on Anexartisias Street around 5 p.m. However, the scope of the protest broadened as around 20 individuals redirected their march towards the Limassol Crime Investigation Department (CID).

The protesters’ chants filled the air, calling for a thorough and impartial investigation into the events leading to the death of Anisur Rahman, a Bangladeshi immigrant, on April 10. The situation intensified when scuffles broke out between the protesters and police officers. The police claim that the demonstrators exhibited aggressive behavior, prompting them to disperse the crowd.

Contrary to the police’s statement, participants described the encounter as an unprovoked attack. One protester recounted to in-cyprus, under anonymity, the moment tensions rose. “After the protest on high rents ended, we moved towards Limassol CID. We were standing peacefully on the pavement when police charged towards us,” they said. The same individual also reported that police pursued the protesters, hurling verbal threats and abuse.

Two individuals were reportedly taken to the hospital with injuries sustained during the incident. Another protester alleged being tripped by an officer during the pursuit, resulting in injury.

The clash also saw injuries within the police ranks, with the head of the Limassol Crime Prevention Office being hospitalized due to injuries obtained during the unrest.

This demonstration marks the third protest in response to Rahman’s death, following previous marches in Limassol on April 13 and in Nicosia on April 20. The case has drawn significant attention, with conflicting accounts of the police operation that led to Rahman’s fatal fall from a building window during a raid on undocumented migrants.

While police maintain that entry was consensual and conducted by uniformed officers, eyewitnesses have disputed this narrative. Reports from K.S., an eyewitness and resident of the raided apartment, allege forceful entry and physical abuse by individuals who were not in uniform. Additionally, anti-racist organization KISA has challenged the police’s version of events.

In response to these allegations and public outcry, the Independent Authority for the Investigation of Allegations and Complaints Against the Police (IAIACAP) has appointed two criminal investigators to delve into the circumstances surrounding Rahman’s tragic demise.