Human Rights Under Fire: The Case Against Activist Doros Polykarpou
On 15 October, Cyprus saw the first hearing in a disturbing legal case against Doros Polykarpou, a longstanding human rights defender and recent award recipient. The charges—allegedly for misdemeanours such as illegal entry, insult, and assault—carry a possible sentence of up to 3 years in prison. ENAR warns that these charges are part of a broader campaign to undermine his work advocating for migrant rights within Cyprus’s increasingly hostile political landscape.
As the Co-Founder and Executive Director of ENAR Member organisation KISA, Doros and his organisation have dedicated over 27 years to defending the human rights of migrants and tackling institutional xenophobia in Cyprus. Unfortunately, having the courage to criticise the Cypriot government’s discriminatory policies has led to targeted smear campaigns, alongside judicial and administrative harassment by the authorities. These attacks nearly turned deadly when an explosive device destroyed KISA’s office in January this year, as part of a targeted attack on the organisation. The bombing, emblematic of a hostile political environment perpetuating biased narratives against marginalised groups, underscores the urgent need for solidarity and action.
The deafening silence following the attack from key entities, including the government and the media, sets an extremely dangerous precedent where violence is not only tolerated, but encouraged.
Unfortunately, KISA’s plight is far from unique. Across Europe and beyond, individuals who champion marginalised communities are often targeted by smear campaigns and threats. Issues like migration, Islamophobia, and anti-racism have become contentious, and the reluctance to support activists openly reflects a climate of political intimidation. Silence in the face of these injustices only fosters an environment of fear and repression and the cost is often measured in racialised lives.
The Front Line Defenders Award for Human Rights Defenders at Risk, established in 2005, exists to recognise individuals like Doros who, despite overwhelming personal risks, continue to uphold the principles of equality and human dignity. As the world grapples with regression into fear and violence, we must collectively reaffirm our commitment to denounce any form of discrimination, intimidation, or violence against humans and organisations championing human rights, equality, and anti-racism.
We extend heartfelt congratulations to Doros on his award and stand in solidarity with him in the face of the current trial.
The case briefing can be read below:
