The government is deporting Syrians involved in the violent incidents in Xylofagou, sending the message that acts of lawlessness will not be tolerated.

Following instructions from Deputy Minister of Migration Nikolaos Ioannidis, procedures are underway to revoke the protection status of those involved so that they can be deported from Cyprus.

The decision was made following a briefing received by the Deputy Ministry from the Famagusta Police Directorate regarding the progress of the investigations.

Among those involved are individuals who were residing illegally in the Republic of Cyprus. So far, five individuals are in custody, while the authorities are searching for others who participated in the incidents.

The clash took place on the evening of July 8 in Xylofagou between groups of approximately 15 people. During the incidents, bats, crowbars, and hammers were used. At one point, a vehicle drove toward the opposing group, attempting to run people over, before finally crashing into a residential storage shed, causing damage.

Watch Katerina Ioannou’s report