Government Condemns Limassol Mosque Arson Attack

Government spokesman Stefanos Stefanou has condemned an arson attack on the Köprülü Mosque in Limassol, saying that such antisocial behaviour and malicious acts are unacceptable.

The attack happened on Friday 13th and a veranda was destroyed along with parts of the roof, prayer rugs and parts of the inside of the mosque. No one has been arrested to date.

The state has no tolerance for such acts, said Stefanou.

The arson raised angry responses from Turkish-Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu who said that the attack was carried out by fanatics, and that the 'Greek-Cypriot side cannot tolerate the Cyprus Turkish people or Muslims.'

Member of the bi-communal cultural heritage committee Mustafa Kemal Kaymakamzade visited Limassol and examined the mosque and said ‘this event worried us too much’.

Commenting on the many neglected and damaged churches in Turkish-held north Cyprus, Kaymakamzade said "We never did the same. There are many un-restored churches in the North because of financial impossibilities. But, this attack was done consciously. I condemn Greek Cypriots".

But Kaymakamzade's remark is disingenuous and ignores the many damaged churches in north Cyprus, some of which have been turned into nightclubs or have swimming pools built in their yards.

Limassol Mayor Andreas Christou said the vandalism was deplorable and apologised to the city's Turkish-Cypriot residents.

The mosque was recently re-opened after being abandoned for many years.

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