Supreme Court of Cyprus rejects Iranian national's petition for release from detention

The Supreme Court of Cyprus has denied a habeas corpus petition filed by an Iranian national currently held at the Polis Chrysochous detention center. Presiding Judge Alexandros A. Panagiotou ruled that the detention for deportation purposes remains lawful, determining that the authorities have not exceeded a reasonable timeframe and have properly reviewed the case in accordance with legal requirements.

The individual was arrested in March 2026 for illegal stay in the Republic of Cyprus, with official deportation and detention orders issued on March 23, 2026. On August 31, 2026, the applicant sought his release, claiming that his detention lacked periodic review and that the volatile situation in Iran made his actual removal impossible. The Ministry of Migration countered these arguments, providing evidence that the detention was reviewed legally and that necessary steps for deportation are being pursued.

The case stems from a complex history dating back to 2006, which includes multiple immigration applications, the use of different identity documents, two marriages—one to a Bulgarian national and one to a Cypriot—and a prior deportation attempt. The court's decision affirms the state's right to maintain custody as deportation procedures continue, rejecting claims of indefinite or unjustified imprisonment.