Death of legal professional and activist Panos Ioannidis

Panos Ioannidis, an 80-year-old lawyer and veteran of the 1974 conflict, passed away recently. Sources conflict on the exact date of death, citing either June 7 or June 8, 2026. In 1974, he served as a reserve second lieutenant and led a platoon of 40 men that retreated from Famagusta on August 15, 1974, under heavy Turkish fire after performing a final flag-lowering ceremony. Ioannidis was a writer, known for his book "The Bloody Truth," and served as a captain in the National Guard until recent years. He was the president of the "Liberation 2025" movement and was politically known for opposing the Annan Plan and federal solutions for Cyprus. His family stated that his remains will be taken to Greece for a religious service and cremation, with his ashes to be scattered in the sea off Famagusta. A public memorial service is scheduled for June 11 at the Agios Petros funeral home. Colleagues and family remembered him as a consistent, uncompromising advocate for the return of his occupied hometown.