Cyprus is facing an unprecedented wave of racist violence. After the attacks against Syrians in a Paphos community, new episodes broke out on Friday night in Limassol.

The riots took place a few days after the incidents in the area of ​​Chloraka, and while it was in progress immigration protest march. During the far-right groups, wearing hoods and holding crowbars, launched a chase against foreigners, injuring dozens, while in their path they destroyed businesses owned by foreigners. Among the victims of the racist violence was a Syrian barber, whose shop suffered extensive damage, as well as a Vietnamese woman with many children, who saw the mini-market operating in Limassol destroyed.

Not even tourists were spared from the racist violence, after a group of far-rights attacked two people, who later turned out to be in Cyprus as tourists from Kuwait. Besides, shortly before the start of the protest, far-right demonstrators attacked television crews and journalists, pushing them away from the starting point of the march. The streets of Limassol resembled a war zone for many hours, after the far-right threw Molotov cocktails and set fire to trash cans.

“embarrassing images”

With today’s statements the President of Cyprus Nikos Christodoulidis referred to “embarrassing images”, noting that those found to be responsible will be asked to bear the financial cost of the damages. The Cypriot President also stated that the incidents that occurred have nothing to do with dealing with immigration and that if all those involved loved their country, they would not have carried out such actions that first and foremost insult the country.

The Cypriot government, however, is the recipient of intense criticism for inaction in relation to the fight against racism and xenophobia while at the center of criticism is the Cypriot police which failed once again to ensure legality and protect local and foreign residents of the city and their property.