Motorcyclists mark 30 years since Isaac and Solomou deaths

Zodia, Cyprus. Motorcyclists from the Isaac-Solomou memorial initiative symbolically closed the Zodia-Astromeritis crossing point for several minutes on Friday during events marking 30 years since the deaths of Tasos Isaac and Solomos Solomou. The crossing remained open to traffic, while participants distributed leaflets to commuters.

Commemorative ride

The motorcyclists began their procession at 3.15pm, making stops at crossing points in the Nicosia district. They are expected to complete the route at 8pm.

The ride will continue on Saturday, when motorcyclists from all districts will gather and travel to the Dherynia crossing point.

On Sunday, a delegation and relatives of Isaac and Solomou will lay wreaths at the Dherynia crossing point. They will then attend a memorial service at Saint Demetrios church in Paralimni, followed by a blessing at the Paralimni cemetery.

Deaths in 1996

Isaac died 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 incident became 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.

Three days later, Solomou was shot dead after Greek Cypriot demonstrators travelled to Dherynia following Isaac’s funeral. He separated from the other protesters, approached a Turkish military post and climbed a flagpole to remove a Turkish flag before being fatally shot by a Turkish soldier.

Case developments

Last month, President Nikos Christodoulides said there had been “developments” in the case of Isaac and Solomou.