Faidias Panayiotou faces criticism over attire at Isaac and Solomou memorial

Cyprus MEP Faidias Panayiotou has faced intense criticism following his choice of attire at an official memorial ceremony marking the 30th anniversary of the killings of Tassos Isaac and Solomos Solomou.

Panayiotou attended the event in Paralimni wearing shorts, socks, and casual shoes, while seated in the front row among official dignitaries, including Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides, military leadership, and the families of the deceased. Critics and media outlets, such as Nea Polis, described the clothing as "disrespectful" to the solemnity of the occasion and the memory of the two men.

Some communication experts suggested the attire may have been a deliberate attempt to shift public attention toward the MEP himself rather than the historical significance of the victims' sacrifices. The memorial served as a culmination of various activities honoring the two men, who were killed in August 1996.