Greek Cypriots attack migrants in violent protest

Hundreds of migrants gathered in Chloraka, south Cyprus on Monday afternoon to protest over anti-immigration rhetoric and xenophobic violence, after extremists attacked migrants and migrant-owned properties in the area on Sunday.

On Sunday evening, Greek Cypriots attacked migrants and migrant-owned properties after an “anti-ghettoisation” protest in Chloraka.

On Monday, migrants gathered outside a Syrian-owned restaurant that was badly damaged during Sunday’s riots to protest against the violence.

The protest’s participants held a sit-down and asked to see state officials to voice their concerns over the escalating tensions that led to the violence.

But riots erupted for a second consecutive day on Monday as residents try to counter migrants protest.

According to the news outlet Reporter, the new riots started after a peaceful sit-down by migrants and third-country nationals who gathered in Chloraka to protest the violence and anti-immigrant sentiment in the area.

In videos posted by the news outlet, people are seen apparently approaching the area where the migrant protesters are, shouting “Out, out” while holding sticks and crowbars.

Police intervened using tear gas to disperse the riot.

Earlier on Monday, the government condemned the assaults by a mob of Greek Cypriots against migrants and their properties in Chloraka, after an “anti-ghettoisation” protest.

Police have arrested four individuals in connection with the incident.