Greek Cypriots brutally attack migrants in Limassol riots, eyewitness speaks

An anonymous resident of Limassol has come forward to “Kathimerini” to recount a harrowing night at the Molos waterfront on Friday, where they witnessed a wave of violent protests targeting migrants.

The demonstration started around 8 p.m. near Molos, with around 300 protesters marching and shouting “Illegals out of Cyprus” and “Cyprus is Greek.”

The individual, who wishes to remain anonymous, found themselves at the coastal front with their bicycle when the chaos unfolded, “Kathimerini” reports.

According to their testimony, masked individuals began chasing and physically assaulting migrants with baseball bats, who had been peacefully present at the waterfront up until the demonstration started.

In a desperate attempt to escape the violence, some resorted to jumping onto the streets, risking potential collisions with passing vehicles. The most disturbing incident witnessed was when a group of 4-5 masked assailants brutally attacked a young immigrant with baseball bats.

“I heard him crying with pain and when I tried to approach him to help, four other hooded men told me ‘leave, because you’ll be next'”.

The witness recalled hearing the young victim’s anguished cries before they abruptly ceased, leaving concerns about the extent of his injuries.

The witness puts blame on the police, which he claims were indifferent to the unfolding events. According to the witness, the police’s operational plan failed to take hold initially, allowing the attacks against foreigners and journalists to go unchecked. It was only when the violence escalated that the authorities finally sprung into action.

Cyprus president Christodoulides said he felt ashamed after seeing what had happened in Limassol’s anti-migrant riots on Friday evening.

Speaking during a meeting at the Presidential Palace with all competent Ministers and other officials on Saturday morning, he spoke of shameful images, noting that those responsible will have to bear the financial cost of the damage they caused.

“There is not much that can be said, apart from the shameful images we saw,” he said.

The President added that the matter has nothing to do with the migration issue, adding that “migration is not the problem and we know very well who are involved in this.”

He pointed out that “we are not able to protect our citizens, we are not able to protect the tourists who come to this country.”

On Friday night, far-right anti-migrant protesters attacked migrants and vandalised shops in Limassol, which quickly turned into a war zone, with cars and motorbikes set on fire by the protestors.

According to the latest information from the police, 13 people have been arrested in relation to the riots, including the alleged organiser of the demonstration.

Authorities say that five persons reported that they were attacked during the riots. All were taken to Limassol General Hospital where they were given first aid and were then discharged.

The violence came just a few days after far-right mobs attacked people and vandalised migrant-owned properties in Chloraka, Paphos.

Cyprus had seen a spike in the arrival of people arriving via irregular routes on the island and individuals seeking asylum in recent years, though the rate of increase has tapered off this year.

In-Cyprus