Popi Christoforou, mother of Mari explosion victims, dies at 64

Popi Christoforou, a prominent figure in the pursuit of justice following the 2011 Mari naval base explosion, passed away on Sunday, September 6, 2026, after a battle with cancer. Christoforou became a symbol of resilience in Cyprus after losing her 19-year-old twin sons, Miltos and Christos, in the July 11, 2011 disaster, which claimed the lives of 13 people when containers of munitions detonated at the Evangelos Florakis naval base.

Throughout the 15 years following the tragedy, Christoforou remained a vocal advocate for accountability, regularly attending memorials and public events to demand justice for the victims. Despite her declining health in recent years, she continued her campaign with dignity. The Limassol municipality expressed deep sorrow over her passing, honoring her as a mother who transformed her personal grief into a relentless quest for truth.

Her funeral is scheduled for this coming Thursday at the Agia Triada church. In accordance with her final wishes, the attendees are requested to wear white clothing. She is survived by her husband, Michalis, and her daughter, Georgia.