Alleged assault in South Cyprus

against Turkish Cypriot couple

The police [in South Cyprus] have confirmed they are investigating an alleged assault against two Turkish Cypriots near the township of Sotira, Famagusta district, last weekend.

Police spokesman Andreas Angelides said the two Turkish Cypriots were in their car when the alleged attack took place.

The complaint was filed by the Turkish Cypriots at Deryneia police station. The incident occurred on Saturday but was not reported until Thursday.

The attack appears to have been ethnically motivated, media reports said. The purported victims were a Turkish Cypriot couple, who apparently lost their bearings on their way to Ayia Napa.

The incident was prompted when Greek Cypriots, on a motorcycle, spotted the car’s TRNC [Northern Cypriot] registration plates.

The alleged assailants then stopped the car and tried to pry open the doors. They then started hitting the car with tree branches.

The Turkish Cypriot woman reportedly recorded the incident on her mobile phone, later showing Deryneia police the recording.

Having filed their complaint, the couple returned to the north after being escorted by police to the nearest checkpoint.

Source: Cyprus Mail