Police Continue Investigation into Violent Clash in Oroklini

Police in Cyprus are continuing their investigation into a violent brawl that broke out during an attempted eviction of a group of migrants from an apartment building in Oroklini, a suburb of Larnaca. Two more suspects have been arrested, while a 27-year-old man remains in intensive care.

According to the police, the incident occurred on Saturday, April 5. The building’s manager tried to evict 15 third-country nationals based on a court order. However, the attempt triggered a major altercation that escalated into a physical fight. Police were called to the scene, but, according to authorities, the migrants resisted the eviction. Tear gas and other crowd-control measures were used to restore order.

During the clash, a 27-year-old man from the Democratic Republic of Congo sustained serious injuries. He was rushed to Nicosia General Hospital, where he remains in critical condition.

Late Monday night, police arrested two more men, aged 29 and 30. A court hearing on Tuesday will determine whether they will remain in custody.

The two suspects face several charges, including rioting, unlawful assembly, disturbing the peace, carrying weapons with intent to incite violence, and resisting arrest. According to the Immigration Service, one of the men was in Cyprus illegally.

Oroklini’s deputy mayor, Neofytos Fakontis, commented that the building where the incident occurred has long been a source of concern. Local authorities have been pushing for its evacuation since 2017. According to Fakontis, the residents—mostly migrants from African countries—live in extremely poor conditions, without electricity, water, or proper sanitation, and surrounded by garbage.