**Isaac and Solomou Anniversary to be Marked in Paralimni**
The 30th anniversary of the deaths of Tasos Isaac and Solomos Solomou will be commemorated this Saturday in Paralimni, with a memorial event that is set to be attended by President Nikos Christodoulides. The ceremony will begin at 8 PM at the Isaac and Solomou monument located on Nikou Psara Street.
Organized by the Paralimni Dheryneia municipality in collaboration with the Isaac and Solomos Memorial Initiative, the event will feature a speech from President Christodoulides, who has emphasized the significance of remembering the tragic events surrounding the deaths of Isaac and Solomou.
Tasos Isaac was killed on August 11, 1996, during a protest in the buffer zone when Greek Cypriot motorcyclist demonstrators encountered Turkish Cypriot counter-protesters. According to a United Nations report, the Turkish Cypriots were accompanied by members of the Turkish Grey Wolves, a far-right nationalist organization. Isaac became ensnared in barbed wire during the confrontation and was subsequently beaten to death. Just three days later, Solomou was shot and killed while attempting to remove a Turkish flag from a flagpole at a Turkish military post following Isaac’s funeral.
In the lead-up to the anniversary, motorcyclists participating in memorial events have reiterated their calls for justice and the execution of arrest warrants against those implicated in the deaths of Isaac and Solomou. Last month, President Christodoulides remarked on “developments” in the cases, labeling the incidents as “murders and nothing else.” He indicated that the matter remains open and that he would provide updates to the families privately, away from public scrutiny.
The commemorative activities will continue on Sunday with the 30th annual memorial service at the Church of Agios Dimitrios in Paralimni. Motorcyclists are expected to spend Saturday night at the Dheryneia roadblock before attending the service on Sunday morning.
On Friday, the memorial initiative included a symbolic closure of the Zodia-Astromeritis crossing point, where motorcyclists distributed leaflets to raise awareness about the events and their significance. Following this, they continued their procession through various crossing points in Nicosia, further emphasizing their commitment to seeking justice for Isaac and Solomou.
The memorial events serve not only to honor the memories of the two men but also to highlight ongoing concerns regarding unresolved issues related to their deaths. The community remains engaged in discussions about the past, seeking acknowledgment and accountability for the events that transpired three decades ago.
As the anniversary approaches, the atmosphere in Paralimni is expected to be one of reflection and solidarity, as residents and participants come together to remember the sacrifices made by Isaac and Solomou and to advocate for justice that many believe is still pending.