Cyprus: ‘Despicable’ attack against anti-racism NGO KISA highlights rise in racist violence

Responding to a shocking attack to the premises of the prominent anti-racist NGO KISA (Action for Equality, Support, Antiracism), in Nicosia, Cyprus, in which an improvised explosive device left the organization’s property severely damaged, Amnesty International’s Cyprus Researcher Kondylia Gogou, said:

“Last night’s violent attack on anti-racist organisation KISA is despicable and raises serious concerns over the safety of human rights defenders in the country. However, it did not happen in a vacuum. Racist violence is on the rise in Cyprus, and KISA and its volunteers have been the target of repeated threats, verbal attacks, and smear campaigns in connection with their work supporting refugees and migrants and denouncing hate crimes.”

“Authorities in Cyprus must urgently send an unequivocal message that attacks on human rights defenders and NGOs will not be tolerated, and conduct a prompt, thorough, independent and impartial investigation into last night’s attack that prioritises the hypothesis that the attack was related to their human rights and anti-racist work. They must also urgently provide effective measures to protect the safety of KISA staff and activists.”

Background

In the early hours of 5 January, the premises of the NGO KISA were attacked with an improvised explosive device placed outside its offices. The explosion caused severe damage to the premises including windows, photocopiers and computers.

In recent years KISA and KISA volunteers and activists are reported to have received numerous threats and harassment from anti-migrant and nationalist groups.

According to reports received, despite complaints to the authorities, investigations into the threats so far have not led to a known outcome.

In August and September 2023, racialised people including refugees and migrants were subjected to pogrom-like attacks in Chloraka and Limassol. Previously, in early 2023, racist attacks were carried out in Limassol and in January 2022 attacks were carried out in Chloraka. In 2023, the European Commission against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI) found that the public discourse in the country had become “increasingly xenophobic”.

In December 2020, further to an amendment to the law on associations, KISA was removed from the Registry of Associations, and proceedings for its dissolution were initiated. KISA’s appeal to challenge the decision before the country’s Appeal Court remains pending, and despite its registration as a non-profit company, KISA operates with many obstacles.