Philenews

Prison Protest: Syrian Inmates Demand Return to Their Country

Published January 22, 2026, 16:23
Prison Protest: Syrian Inmates Demand Return to Their Country

Kenan Agias, a Cypriot activist detained in prison, refused to participate in meals in protest of the delays in the procedures for his release and return to Cyprus. Agias, who has stated that he is not interested in his personal freedom as long as Cyprus remains divided, expressed his concern about the situation in Cyprus and the Middle East. During a discussion, Agias expressed the view that Cyprus should not be involved in the “game” of the US and Israel, but should develop an alternative strategy. He believed that support for Israel is superficial and that powerful forces are exploiting Cyprus for their own interests. Furthermore, he commented on the efforts of the Kurdish people for a new peace process in Turkey, emphasizing that Ocalan's ceasefire declaration was made for the safety of the Kurds. He expressed his disappointment with the lack of support for the Kurdish people from the international community. After explanations from the prison administration regarding the procedures for examining release and repatriation applications, Agias ended his protest. It is expected that the releases and returns of Syrian inmates to their homeland will begin soon, following a request from the Syrian ambassador to Cyprus.