Solomos Solomou: 30 years since killing in Cyprus buffer zone

The 30th anniversary of the killing of Solomos Solomou in the Deryneia buffer zone is being marked. On August 14, 1996, the 26-year-old Cypriot attempted to lower a Turkish flag during a demonstration following the death of his cousin, Tassos Isaac.

Solomou was shot and killed by Turkish snipers while climbing a flagpole. The incident occurred during a period of intense tension in the UN buffer zone. In 2008, the European Court of Human Rights found Turkey responsible for the killings of both Solomou and Isaac, citing violations of the European Convention on Human Rights.

While international arrest warrants were issued for several individuals, including former official Kenan Akin, the perpetrators have not been apprehended. The events remain a significant and symbolic moment in modern Cypriot history.