Isaac-Solomou initiative plans symbolic Astromeritis-Zodia crossing closure

Astromeritis, Cyprus. Members of the Isaac-Solomou Memorial Initiative will symbolically close the Astromeritis-Zodia crossing point on Friday as part of commemorations marking 30 years since the deaths of Tassos Isaac and Solomos Solomou.

Friday motorcycle march

A motorcycle march will begin at 3.15pm, with participants distributing leaflets before carrying out the symbolic closure of the crossing point.

Commemorative event

The initiative’s main commemorative event will take place in Paralimni on Saturday, August 8, at 8pm.

Deaths in 1996

Isaac was killed on August 11, 1996, when Greek Cypriot motorcyclist protesters encountered Turkish Cypriot counter-protesters in the buffer zone.

According to a United Nations report on the incident, the counter-protesters were “joined by members of the Grey Wolves who had come from Turkey”.

The confrontation turned violent after demonstrators from both sides entered the buffer zone. Isaac became entangled in barbed wire and was beaten to death by Turkish Cypriots and Turks who had also entered the area.

Solomou killed three days later

Three days after Isaac’s death, Solomou was shot dead after Greek Cypriot demonstrators travelled to Dherynia following Isaac’s funeral.

He separated from other protesters and approached a Turkish military post, where he climbed a flagpole to remove a Turkish flag. He was fatally shot by a Turkish soldier.