A 39-year-old Iranian man, a recognised political refugee, has been sleeping rough outside Larnaca Court for the past two nights, expressing a wish to return to prison, where he feels safer.
Photo: en.philenews.com
- A 39-year-old Iranian man, a recognised political refugee, has been sleeping rough outside Larnaca Court for the past two nights, expressing a wish to return to prison, where he feels safer.
After his recent release from prison, the man has made it clear to authorities that he feels more secure behind bars than on the streets. He has been observed on the pavement outside the court, seeking help.
Photo: en.philenews.com
According to reports from philenews, Larnaca Police and Social Welfare Services (SWS) have been alerted to the situation. On Tuesday, he was transferred to the Larnaca Police Directorate for humanitarian reasons, allowing officials to assess his situation and understand his troubling decision to sleep outdoors.
Sources from the police indicated that the man has a history of psychological issues and has been hospitalised at Athalassa Hospital at least twice. His past interactions with authorities have also included incidents of causing damage, raising concerns about his wellbeing.
Larnaca court: Support from Social Welfare Services
Senior Social Welfare Services Officer Eftychios Hadjichristodoulou confirmed that the man is known to their agency. “A Social Welfare Services officer is on site to assess his situation and determine whether he requires any medical examination or treatment,” he stated in an interview.
If hospitalisation is deemed unnecessary, the officer added, arrangements will be made for accommodation at one of the facilities that SWS collaborates with. Additionally, immediate financial assistance will be provided to meet his basic needs, including food and essential supplies.
Plans for Rehabilitation
Hadjichristodoulou also mentioned that there is a rehabilitation plan in place for released prisoners, which will be implemented in this case. The aim is to ensure that individuals like the Iranian man can reintegrate into society effectively and safely.
As the situation develops, the local community is becoming increasingly aware of the challenges faced by those experiencing temporary houselessness. According to recent EU figures, around 40 individuals in Cyprus are currently facing similar circumstances, highlighting a broader issue of homelessness in the region.
The plight of the Iranian man raises critical questions about the support systems in place for vulnerable populations, particularly those with mental health issues. As authorities work to provide the necessary assistance, the hope is to find a solution that prioritises the safety and wellbeing of individuals in similar predicaments.
