A court ordered a 32-year-old Cameroonian asylum seeker in custody over alleged racist social media comments targeting Greek Cypriots, in the aftermath of anti-migrant attacks by far-right Cypriot nationalists in Limassol in September 2023.
The suspect, who had been wanted since October 2023, was arrested on Tuesday and faces charges of incitement to commit a felony and offences under anti-racism legislation, police said.
The comments were allegedly posted in response to the fascist attacks in Limassol’s Molos area in September 2023, when an anti-migrant protest quickly descended into violence, with attacks reported against both locals and foreigners.
The case coincides with ongoing legal proceedings regarding the suspect’s asylum appeal at the Administrative Court, whose decision could affect his residency status in Cyprus.
The suspect remains in Cyprus pending an appeal against his rejected asylum application. Authorities said they are investigating possible connections to terrorist organisation Boko Haram, though no evidence has emerged to support these claims, according to sources.
The Limassol court approved a two-day detention order. It remains unclear whether the suspect will be released after this period, when formal charges are expected to be filed.
