Fatal incident during immigration raid in Larnaca

On May 29, 2024, a 46-year-old Congolese national died following a fall from the Filanta apartment complex in Larnaca during an immigration enforcement operation. Police reported that the man, whose asylum application had been rejected, attempted to escape alongside two other foreign nationals by jumping from an upper floor. While the two other men survived with injuries and are receiving treatment, the 46-year-old sustained severe head trauma and died in the hospital that evening. Larnaca Police Chief Ioannis Kapnoullas stated that no internal disciplinary investigation is underway, as the case is being handled through standard judicial procedures for unnatural deaths. He emphasized that the police did not force entry into private apartments and that the incident was unpredictable. Civil society groups, including Generation for Change CY, have expressed concern and requested an independent investigation into the incident and broader enforcement practices. Local authorities confirmed that 19 to 22 arrests were made during the city-wide operation. A peaceful vigil was held at the building by members of the migrant community to honor the deceased.