Petition launched against Greek Cypriot authorities after after Bangladeshi migrant jumps to his death in south Cyprus

The Honourary Consulate of Bangladesh in Cyprus on Wednesday described the death of 23-year-old Bangladeshi national “tragic” after he fell to his death from his apartment balcony.

Police knocked on the apartment door at 6:20am to check whether the tenants were living in Cyprus legally.

Under circumstances that are still being investigated, the man fell from the apartment on the fifth-floor and died.

“This is a tragedy, especially on this day of Eid,” Honourary Consul of Bangladesh Roupen Paul Kalaydjian told the Cyprus Mail.

“It is sad that police chose this festive day of Eid to do this raid, which had these tragic consequences.”

Another Bangladeshi national aged 22, also jumped out of the balcony and is currently in Limassol general hospital in serious condition for his injuries.

In total, 11 people from Bangladesh were crammed into a two-bedroom apartment. They were found to be illegal migrants and were reportedly paying €2,000 in rent. Police have called on the landlord to present himself to a station with the rental contract.

The men were found to be living in Cyprus illegally. 

“Upon hearing of the incident, we contacted police headquarters in Limassol immediately. We are waiting for the police report investigation over the incident,” Kalaydjian said.

Police said no search warrant is required to carry out a raid aimed at checking whether people are living in Cyprus legally or not. They likened it to the process for census counts.

The Honourary Consul added he is also trying to gather more information from members of the Bangladeshi community living in Cyprus.

Members of the public launched a petition calling for an end to racial discrimination against Cyprus’ migrant community, it emerged on Thursday.

“No one should live in fear because they sought refuge or better opportunities abroad,” the petition said.

“A man tragically lost his life, jumping from the fifth floor of his building to escape an immigration raid. He was not a criminal; he was merely seeking safety. Yet, due to the policies of the government and actions of the police, he died,” the petition said.

“In Cyprus today, immigrants are subjected to racial prejudice by both law enforcement agencies and governmental bodies. There have been numerous instances where people have been abducted daily with houses being raided unlawfully.

“This is happening while funds continue flowing into Cyprus from the European Union – funds that should be used for integration efforts rather than fostering division.”

The petition called for respect to every individual regardless of their nationality or immigration status.