FAMAGUSTA GAZETTE — Authorities are investigating a reported kidnapping and assault involving a Syrian national residing at the Kofinou Reception Center for Asylum Seekers.
The incident allegedly occurred around 8 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 13, when three individuals contacted the victim by phone and then approached him in a vehicle.
They reportedly picked him up from the center and transported him to the Limassol district.
According to preliminary information, the Syrian man was assaulted at the location by the suspects.
At approximately 10:30 p.m. the same evening, he was returned to the Kofinou center.
Police have begun taking a statement from the victim and have arranged for his transfer to the Accident and Emergency Department at Larnaca General Hospital for medical evaluation.
The Kofinou Reception and Accommodation Center is the main government-run facility in Cyprus for housing asylum seekers. Located in the village of Kofinou in the Larnaca district, it first opened in 2004 and serves as a temporary shelter for individuals and families applying for international protection.