Cyprus Moves To Deport Syrians After Israelis Attacked In Nicosia

Three Israelis were attacked Tuesday afternoon in central Nicosia, with one suffering an injury to his ear, according to Cypriot reports. Cyprus responded by moving to revoke the asylum status of two Syrian suspects and begin proceedings to return them to their country of origin.

The assault took place in daylight in the old city of Nicosia and was treated by Cypriot authorities as both a criminal incident and an immigration matter. Officials have not publicly confirmed a motive for the attack.

According to police information cited by local media, the three Israelis reported that they were assaulted by two people in the old city. One of the Israelis was wounded in the ear, and two suspects were taken for questioning by CID Nicosia.

Cyprus’ Deputy Minister for Migration and International Protection, Nicholas Ioannides, ordered immediate steps to strip the two suspects of the asylum status they had held until now. Authorities are also expected to advance procedures for their repatriation.

Ioannides said the government would take a strict line toward foreign nationals involved in criminal behavior.

“Foreign nationals who do not respect the country that hosts them, displaying delinquent behavior, will face consequences and have their asylum status revoked,” he said.

The case comes as Cyprus has been tightening its approach toward Syrian asylum seekers following the fall of the Assad regime. The government has reviewed Syrian asylum claims more individually and has promoted returns for Syrians who choose to leave the island.

Cypriot authorities are now expected to continue both the criminal investigation and the immigration proceedings against the suspects. No Israeli government response was immediately reported.