A diplomatic issue has emerged following a scheduled visit by Syria’s Chargé d’Affaires to the Central Prisons in Cyprus, with the Embassy of the Syrian Arab Republic submitting an official démarche to the Cypriot Ministry of Foreign Affairs. According to the complaint, Syrian diplomat Dr Ammar Awad was subjected to what the embassy described as an “intrusive and unprofessional body search” while attempting to enter the prison facility.
Complaint Filed by Syrian Embassy
According to a diplomatic note dated 14 May 2026, Dr Awad alleges that the incident took place upon his arrival for a meeting with Prison Director Maria Siali. The Syrian Embassy stated that the diplomat had already complied with all required security procedures and argued that the conduct of prison officers represented a “significant deviation” from the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations. The embassy formally raised the issue with the Cypriot authorities, describing the treatment as inappropriate for a diplomatic representative.
Requests Concerning Syrian Detainees
Following the incident, the Syrian side requested that future consultations be transferred to an alternative location outside the prison complex.
The embassy also requested detailed information from the Republic of Cyprus regarding:
- the number of Syrian detainees and convicted prisoners,
- the offences for which they are being held,
- deportation procedures and the legal status of Syrian nationals in Cyprus, including asylum seekers and refugees,
- complaints allegedly submitted by Syrian detainees and their families regarding detention conditions.
Call for Justice Ministry Intervention
The Syrian side is now seeking the involvement of the Ministry of Justice in order to continue discussions on what it described as the humanitarian issue concerning the living conditions of Syrian nationals held in Cypriot correctional facilities.
No official public response had been issued by the Cypriot authorities at the time of publication.
