Dispute over military deserter status of Cypriot living in South Africa

The Cypriot Ministry of Defence is facing criticism regarding the status of 24-year-old Loizos Fotiou, who has been classified as a deserter. Fotiou, born in South Africa, moved to Cyprus in 2016 to play for the APOEL football academy but returned to South Africa in 2022 following a career-ending injury. The political movement Active Citizens – KEKK and supporters claim Fotiou never received a personal enlistment notice, as correspondence was sent to an outdated address, and argue that he is now unable to visit his terminally ill mother in Cyprus due to the threat of arrest. The Ministry of Defence denies these claims, asserting that the individual was properly notified and initially received a deferment for studies and football, but failed to report for service or seek further extensions. The advocacy group has requested a two-year suspension of his enlistment to allow him to visit his family. The Ministry maintains that the legal process followed the established regulations for military conscription. The case remains a point of contention between the family's representatives and the state recruitment services.