Deputy Mayor of Lympia receives death threats following border crossing decision

On November 14, 2026, the deputy mayor of Lympia, Pantelis Xynisteris, reported receiving death threats following his public support for the decision by the President of the Republic and the Turkish Cypriot leader to open a new crossing point between Lympia and Louroujina. Unknown individuals spray-painted abusive slogans on walls in the community, including phrases such as "EOKA B strikes again" and "Cyprus is Greek land." The perpetrators targeted Xynisteris directly, blaming him for the opening of the crossing, despite the official decision resting with national leadership.

In response to the harassment, Xynisteris has expressed deep concern for the safety of his family, noting that his relatives have previously suffered losses during the 1973 coup and the 1974 invasion. He has formally requested police protection and requested increased patrols around his residence. The AKEL political party, along with local sports clubs Olympias and Apollon, have publicly condemned the incident as an unacceptable act of cowardice. Police are currently investigating the matter to identify the perpetrators, while an uneasy calm has been reported in the village as residents remain divided over the planned opening of the border crossing.