The Supreme Court of Cyprus has ordered the immediate release of an asylum seeker. He was detained for six months. This highlights problems in the country's asylum system. The court said Cypriot officials did not try hard enough to deport him. This broke important legal rules.
The man first asked for asylum in 2019. His request was refused in 2024. He was arrested in July last year. Officials thought he had no correct papers. A deportation order was made. However, seventeen days later, he applied for asylum again. This new application was also refused. He then appealed this decision.
His detention lasted for six months. This long period was the main issue for the court. The court checked his detention two months after his arrest. However, the court found that the government's actions were not enough. The Supreme Court stated that "procedures must be done with care and without delay." It said this standard was not met.
The court looked at why the man was kept in detention. There was no strong proof. The court said it was "not shown that important steps were taken." This means authorities did not act to deport him. The reasons given for his detention were unclear. The court felt there was a risk of him being detained forever. This is against basic rights.
This important decision reminds the government to act fast. They must show progress in deportation cases. They should not keep people in detention for a long time. The case suggests a better system is needed. People should not be kept in jail because of slow procedures. The court's action shows that quick government action is important. The asylum seeker's future is still being decided.