**Bikers Depart for Greece Tour in Memory of Isaac and Solomou**
On Tuesday afternoon, a group of motorcyclists and members of the Isaac-Solomou remembrance initiative set off for Greece to embark on a ten-day tour that commemorates the 30th anniversary of the deaths of Tasos Isaac and Solomou Solomou. The two men were killed during separate demonstrations in the buffer zone near Dherynia in August 1996, events that have left a lasting impact on the community.
The participants convened at the DP World Limassol terminal at Limassol port on Tuesday morning, where they boarded the AF Marina ferry bound for Piraeus, Greece. This marks the third ride organized by the initiative, with previous rides taking place in Germany in 2016 and Greece in 2021.
Kyriacos Yiangou, a representative of the remembrance initiative, shared insights about the tour, emphasizing its significance. He stated, “It is a ten-day tour with motorcycles, and we will pass from symbolic places, such as Kyrenia in Achaia, Karavas in Kythira, Salamina in Attica, Rhodes, and Kastellorizo.” Yiangou highlighted that these destinations are currently under occupation, and the ride aims to advocate for the rights of the community to access their homeland freely, as well as to seek justice and dignity for the victims.
The emotional weight of the journey is underscored by the presence of Tasos Isaac’s family members, including his mother, daughter, and sisters, who join the bikers to honor the memory of the martyrs. Yiangou expressed the collective sentiment, stating, “The bikers honor the memory of the martyrs; they do not forget, and we all try, through their sacrifice, to send the messages emanating from it.”
Preparations in Greece include receptions and road naming ceremonies to welcome the bikers. Notably, an event is scheduled at the House of Cyprus in Athens, facilitated by the Cyprus embassy. During their stay in Athens, a delegation of bikers will also meet with Konstantinos Tasoulas, the President of the Hellenic Republic, to discuss the ongoing quest for justice regarding the deaths of Isaac and Solomou.
Upon their return to Cyprus, the bikers will have the opportunity to meet with President Nikos Christodoulides, where they will reiterate their calls for justice in light of the tragic events that occurred three decades ago.
In addition to the tour of Greece, the motorcyclists plan to travel to Paralimni on August 8 to mark the anniversary of both men’s deaths. The events surrounding their deaths are a poignant reminder of the tensions that have historically existed in the region. Isaac was killed on August 11, 1996, during a protest that escalated into violence when Greek Cypriot demonstrators faced off against Turkish Cypriot counter-protesters, including members of the Grey Wolves, a Turkish nationalist group. The United Nations reported that Isaac was caught in barbed wire in the buffer zone and was subsequently beaten to death.
Three days later, Solomou was killed during another demonstration following Isaac’s funeral. He attempted to climb a flagpole to remove a Turkish flag at a military post when he was shot dead by Turkish forces.
The remembrance initiative and the accompanying motorcycle tour serve not only as a tribute to Isaac and Solomou but also as a platform for raising awareness about the ongoing issues surrounding the division of Cyprus and the need for reconciliation and justice. As the bikers journey through Greece, they carry with them the memories of those who lost their lives, advocating for a future where such tragedies are not repeated.