**NICOSIA, CYPRUS** – Members of the Iranian expatriate community in Cyprus have implored the nation's parliament to take decisive political action in solidarity with the burgeoning protest movement within Iran. On Thursday, a delegation of Iranian residents converged outside the legislative building, presenting a formal memorandum to the House Speaker, Annita Demetriou. The document articulates profound concern over alleged human rights violations and calls for a robust international response to the intensifying crackdown on demonstrators. This plea coincides with a stark travel advisory issued by the Cypriot Ministry of Foreign Affairs, strongly recommending its citizens to depart from Iran due to escalating instability and regional tensions.
The memorandum, a comprehensive appeal for parliamentary engagement, outlines several key demands. Foremost among them is a call for the Cypriot Parliament to formally express its solidarity with the Iranian people advocating for democratic freedoms. Furthermore, the expatriates urged lawmakers to support the designation of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard (IRGC) as a terrorist organisation at the European Union level, a move that would carry significant diplomatic and economic ramifications. The document also advocates for the implementation of targeted sanctions against senior Iranian officials deemed responsible for the repression, and the establishment of an independent international inquiry to meticulously investigate alleged abuses. The diaspora’s representatives also requested that Cyprus exert increased diplomatic pressure on Tehran and, critically, seek the suspension of operations at the Iranian embassy in Nicosia.
The backdrop to these appeals is a deeply troubling situation unfolding in Iran, where widespread demonstrations, which erupted in late 2025, have been met with a brutal government response. Reports indicate a significant rise in the death toll in early 2026, exacerbated by a severe internet blackout imposed by the authorities, effectively stifling communication and information dissemination. The controversy surrounding a series of executions in January further inflamed international condemnation and amplified global awareness of the human rights crisis.
In response to the memorandum, House Speaker Annita Demetriou conveyed a message of unequivocal support, stating, "Parliament will stand alongside those fighting for democracy and freedom." She underscored Cyprus's historical understanding of the struggle for self-determination, adding, "As a country with its own history of struggle for freedom and democracy, [Cyprus] understands the gravity of such moments and will assume its responsibility." Demetriou indicated that a resolution would be formally submitted to the Cypriot Parliament for deliberation, aiming to translate these sentiments into tangible political endorsement.
The implications of these developments extend beyond bilateral relations. The Cypriot government's updated travel advisory for its citizens in Iran underscores the palpable risks associated with the current geopolitical climate. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs' decision to advise its nationals to leave Iran reflects growing concerns about the safety of foreigners amidst the domestic unrest and the potential for broader regional escalation. While not directly linked to the diaspora’s immediate actions, the broader geopolitical context, including potential international military responses within the next 24 hours as suggested by some reports, adds another layer of complexity and urgency to the situation. The actions of the Iranian diaspora in Cyprus serve as a potent reminder of the international dimension of the protests and the significant role that expatriate communities can play in advocating for change in their homelands.