Harita Mantoles participates in the October 28th anniversary parade

On October 28, 2026, Harita Mantoles, a prominent figure in the campaign for the missing persons of the 1974 Turkish invasion of Cyprus, participated in the annual student parade held to mark the national anniversary. Despite mobility difficulties, she marched alongside members of the 'Adouloti Keryneia' association, using a walking aid and carrying a religious icon. The public responded to her presence with prolonged applause, recognizing her ongoing efforts to advocate for the identification of missing persons and the preservation of historical memory.

While weather conditions were favorable, allowing the parade to proceed smoothly, the focus of the event remained on the symbolic message conveyed by Mantoles. Her regular attendance at such commemorative events serves to remind the public of the consequences of the 1974 events and the persistent need for justice. Although sources differ slightly on which religious item she carried—one report states she held an icon of the Virgin Mary, while another identifies it as an icon of Christ—both accounts emphasize the emotional significance of her participation in the commemorative activities.