Three Palestinians arrested in Larnaca for links to Hamas cell
Cypriot Police have arrested three Palestinians, permanent residents of Cyprus and holders of Cypriot citizenship, in coordinated operations in Larnaca. The arrested men are suspected of being members of a Hamas network that had established a headquarters in the Akrotiri coast.
Three Palestinians arrested in Larnaca for links to Hamas cell
Three men of Palestinian origin, aged 33, 38 and 54, have been taken into custody by prosecuting authorities in Larnaca following joint police operations. All three are permanent residents of Cyprus and hold Cypriot passports, according to reports cited by Philenews.
The three suspects are believed to belong to a Hamas cell that had established a base on the Akrotiri coast. The authorities' intervention is reported to have prevented a bombing attack that was allegedly being organised against Israeli targets on the island.
The case raises national security concerns. The oldest of the three has lived in the country since the 1980s and has four children serving in Security Bodies of the Republic of Cyprus. The fact raises questions about the criteria for granting citizenship and the supervision of activities of individuals who acquire Cypriot nationality.
The prevention of the attack is attributed to timely action by police authorities. Investigations are ongoing.
Source: Philenews