Filenews 22 August 2023 - by Dora Christodoulou
A total of 250 apartments, which constitute the building complex that has been transformed in recent years into a hotbed of illegalities by foreigners who arrived and reside in Cyprus without meeting the requirements, were inspected within a day by the competent authorities of the Republic, in order to implement the decisions taken yesterday at the Presidential Palace for the restoration of legality in the area of Chloraka.
More than 80 people, of African and Arab origin, were identified and their details recorded, while during the operation there were also incidents caused by illegal residents in Cyprus resulting in the injury of two police officers.
In addition to the 90 members of the Pafos Police Directorate, the MMAD and the Aliens and Immigration Service, assisted by state officials of the Ministry of Interior, the Pafos District Administration and the Asylum Service, as well as members of the Community Council of Chlorakas, are implementing as of today the decision for the immediate sealing of the disputed building complex in Chloraka, which has been converted into a den of illegality and a refuge for illegal aliens residing in Pafos.
On today, the first day of the implementation of the Government's decisions, two men were arrested for identity checks. As it was finally established, one resides legally on the island and was released, while the second is still detained in order to clarify his residence status. This is the person who, resisting arrest, caused the injury of the two members of the YAM.
However, residents of Chloraka stated in the morning at the beginning of the police operation that during the night mass movements of people living there were noticed. They believe that these are illegal foreigners in Cyprus who, having been informed since yesterday of the decisions on the matter, made sure to disappear in time from Chloraka in order to avoid arrest and deportation. Residents of the area around the now-sealed building complex spoke of cars arriving in the area and transporting foreigners to neighbouring areas, such as Emba, where their compatriots live who are supposed to host them to avoid the pincers of the law.
This information is being investigated by the Police, who also conducted searches throughout suburban and low Paphos in order to identify any tenants in the building complex who tried to find a new place to stay to avoid their deportation.
