NICOSIA (Reuters) – Cyprus police have detained 21 individuals on Monday night following violent clashes that occurred between immigrants and residents in a community located in the western part of the island, which has a significant number of asylum-seekers.
The authorities stated that those who were arrested consisted of both migrants and locals, following a second night of disturbances in the village of Chlorakas, situated about 155 km (96 miles) west of the capital Nicosia.
The incidents on Monday night transpired subsequent to a peaceful sit-down protest by migrants against violence late on Sunday. During the protest, individuals donning hoods vandalized both property and vehicles belonging to non-Cypriots.
Following the conclusion of the protest, tension escalated and clashes broke out, leading to the separation of groups of migrants and Greek Cypriots by the police utilizing tear gas and water cannon. One police officer was slightly injured by a petrol bomb.
In recent years, Cyprus has witnessed a surge in the arrival of irregular migrants and those seeking asylum, although the rate of increase has decreased this year. Approximately 20% of the migrant community in Chlorakas originates from Syria.
Tensions have been mounting in Chlorakas for several years, as some local residents believe that there is an unfairly high concentration of asylum seekers or recognized refugees settling in the area.
In 2021, the country’s interior ministry declared the community off-limits to new arrivals, and just last week, authorities announced their intention to evacuate a property complex where hundreds of migrants had been residing without access to electricity and running water.
The disturbances on Sunday were preceded by a demonstration of approximately 300 people who marched through a central street in Chlorakas, demanding an end to irregular migration. As per police reports, a portion of the participants separated from the main group and engaged in property damage.
(Writing by Michele Kambas; Editing by Stephen Coates)
Credit: The Star : News Feed
