Authorities in Cyprus have unequivocally denied reports suggesting an Israeli national was assaulted in Limassol specifically because he was speaking Hebrew. Police sources clarified on Tuesday that the hotel altercation involved individuals of Israeli nationality and was not motivated by ethnic or linguistic prejudice.
The controversy initially erupted on Monday following numerous reports from Israeli press and social media platforms. These accounts alleged that a Jewish tourist had been targeted and beaten for conversing in Hebrew, portraying the incident as a hate crime. Such narratives threatened to tarnish Cyprus's reputation as a secure tourist destination. However, the Cyprus Police have swiftly moved to counter these assertions, presenting a considerably different account of the events.
According to information released by the police, the disturbance at the Limassol hotel stemmed from a disagreement that escalated into a physical confrontation among a group of Israeli nationals. Investigators are diligently examining the precise circumstances surrounding the fracas. Crucially, the injured Israeli individual has provided authorities with a written statement confirming he harbours no grievances against anyone involved. This declaration directly contradicts the sensationalist claims that had been circulating widely.
"What has been written is not true," stated police sources, as reported by the Cyprus Mail. "The Israeli appears to have argued with compatriots and said in writing that he had no claims." Further emphasis on the lack of prejudice as a motive was provided by another police source, who commented to In-Cyprus, "The claims being written are unfounded."
While the police have dismissed the notion of an anti-Hebrew hate crime, the injured Israeli national did reportedly return to Israel and subsequently underwent eye surgery. Initial reports indicated a potential risk of vision loss, underscoring the severity of the physical altercation, irrespective of its purported motivations. The incident, therefore, remains under investigation to meticulously document the complete sequence of events.
The Cyprus Police's firm rebuttal serves to correct the public record and prevent the proliferation of unsubstantiated allegations. In an era where information can spread rapidly, authorities have reiterated the importance of exercising caution and verifying information from credible sources before dissemination. The focus of the ongoing inquiry is to ascertain the precise nature of the dispute, ensuring that the full facts are established and understood.