In a significant diplomatic incident, Russia has summoned Cyprus’ ambassador to Moscow in response to what it deems “unacceptable and provocative actions” taken against a Russian journalist and an employee of the Russian embassy in Nicosia, as stated by the Russian Foreign Ministry.
The ministry has asserted that security personnel in Cyprus carried out a forceful detention that resulted in injuries to a journalist affiliated with the state-run Rossiyskaya Gazeta newspaper. Cyprus authorities claimed that the journalist posed a threat to national security.
The Russian Foreign Ministry has strongly contested these allegations, labeling references to the journalist’s supposed inappropriate activities and violations of his administrative status in Cyprus as utterly unfounded.
In response to this incident, Russia has demanded the immediate release of the journalist, a thorough explanation of the circumstances surrounding the detention, and an official apology from the Cypriot authorities. This diplomatic dispute casts a shadow over the relations between Russia and Cyprus, raising concerns about press freedom and diplomatic tensions.
