Complaint over alleged deserter status
The political party “Active Citizens – KEKK” has described the designation of Loizos Fotiou as a deserter in a Cyprus army case as unfair and unlawful, calling for the immediate removal of the measure.
In a letter sent to Defence Minister Vasilis Palmas, with copies to the Attorney General, the National Guard, the Military Recruitment Service and the Commissioner for Administration, the party requests a two-year suspension of enlistment.
The party argues that the young Cypriot citizen, who has lived most of his life in South Africa, is now unable to visit his ill mother in Cyprus due to the risk of arrest linked to his alleged status.
Background of the case
According to the complaint, Fotiou was born and raised in South Africa, where his family runs businesses in the hospitality sector.
He reportedly moved to Cyprus in 2016 at the age of 15 to join APOEL football academies and lived as a boarding student at Pascal School, with his stay described as temporary and linked solely to his sporting career.
After a serious injury in 2022 ended his football career, he returned to South Africa. In 2026, his parents relocated permanently to Cyprus due to the mother’s health condition, while he remained abroad to manage the family business.
Claims over missing notification
The party claims Fotiou never received a personal enlistment call-up, arguing that the notification was sent to an outdated address in Cyprus and that he was never properly informed.
It also insists that the desertion designation lacks legal basis, as there was no valid notification and his absence was not intended to avoid military service.
Broader concerns raised
“Active Citizens – KEKK” also raises wider concerns about how cases involving overseas Cypriots are handled, claiming that young people abroad are often automatically declared deserters without individual circumstances being properly examined.
The party is calling for the immediate lifting of his alleged deserter status, a two-year deferment to allow him to settle professional obligations in South Africa, and guaranteed entry into Cyprus so he can visit his mother without the risk of arrest.
Also read: 53-year-old arrested over child abduction in Limassol
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