**Isaac and Solomou Memorial Riders Reach Acropolis on Anniversary Tour**
Motorcyclists participating in the Isaac and Solomou memorial initiative visited the Acropolis in Athens on Wednesday, marking a significant milestone in their ten-day tour across Greece. This journey commemorates the 30th anniversary of the tragic deaths of Tassos Isaac and Solomos Solomou, two young Cypriots who lost their lives during protests in 1996.
The riders embarked on their journey from Limassol, Cyprus, last Wednesday, taking a ferry to Piraeus before beginning their tour. The initiative is dedicated to keeping alive the memory of Isaac and Solomou, both of whom became symbols of the struggle for justice and the right of Cypriot refugees to return to their homes.
Tassos Isaac was killed on August 11, 1996, after being beaten to death during a demonstration in the UN buffer zone near Dheryneia. Just three days later, Solomos Solomou was shot while attempting to remove a Turkish flag from a military position. Their deaths have left a lasting impact on the Cypriot community, and the memorial ride aims to honor their sacrifices.
Kyriacos Yiangou, a representative of the initiative, emphasized the importance of the tour in keeping the demand for justice alive. "We are demanding the right to freely go to our land, the right to freedom, the right to dignity, the right to justice," he stated. He noted that each ride carries deep emotional significance, with family members of Isaac often participating, including his mother, daughter, and sisters.
The current journey marks the third commemorative tour organized by the initiative, following rides in Germany in 2016 and Greece in 2021. The route includes several locations of historical and cultural significance, such as Karavas in Kythira, Salamina in Attica, Rhodes, and Kastellorizo, as well as Kerynia in the Peloponnese.
After their visit to the Acropolis, a delegation of riders met with Greek President Konstantinos Tasoulas, further highlighting the initiative's importance in fostering dialogue and remembrance between Cyprus and Greece. The program also includes events organized in collaboration with local authorities and Cypriot organizations in Greece.
Upon their return to Cyprus, the riders are expected to meet with President Nikos Christodoulides. They plan to travel to Paralimni in August to mark the anniversaries of Isaac and Solomou's killings, continuing their commitment to honor their memories and advocate for the rights of Cypriots.
The memorial ride not only serves as a tribute to the fallen but also as a reminder of the ongoing struggles faced by many Cypriots. As the riders continue their journey, they carry with them the hopes and aspirations of those who seek justice and reconciliation in Cyprus.