A court in Cyprus has sentenced a Syrian national to five years in prison for smuggling 31 Syrian migrants into the country aboard an overcrowded boat. The man, who was also a migrant himself, played a key role in captaining the boat that brought the group across the Mediterranean Sea, according to a statement from the attorney general’s office released Monday.
The case is part of Cyprus’ recent efforts to crack down on irregular migration, an issue that gained political momentum during the country’s 2023 presidential election. Authorities have implemented tougher measures and faster legal procedures, resulting in a noticeable decrease in new migrant arrivals.
Why was the man convicted?
The man was convicted on three charges, including people trafficking and aiding illegal entry into Cyprus. The court found that he had agreed to steer the boat from an unnamed port in Syria in return for free passage, thus making a deal with human traffickers. He also received basic training to operate the vessel and was guided by radio contact with another smuggler who directed him on the route to Cyprus.
In its ruling, the court said the defendant willingly became an active participant in an organized smuggling operation. “With his actions, the accused, without any hesitation, made himself an active part of a group taking advantage of people,” the judge declared, adding that such crimes are becoming increasingly common and must be dealt with severely.
Where did the boat come from?
While the court did not disclose the exact time or place of the boat’s departure, Syria lies just 108 miles (173 kilometers) from the southeastern coast of European Union member Cyprus. The country has seen an increase in sea arrivals in recent years, particularly from conflict-hit regions.
What is Cyprus doing to reduce migrant arrivals?
The Cypriot government has taken a tough stance on migration, increasing patrols and tightening legal controls. Officials say these moves have drastically reduced the number of boats reaching the island. However, the approach has not been without controversy. The United Nations refugee agency (UNHCR) has accused Cyprus of pushing migrant boats back to sea, a claim the Cypriot authorities firmly deny.
How effective are Cyprus’ asylum procedures?
According to figures from the attorney general’s office, the International Protection Administrative Court in Cyprus reviewed 4,534 cases in 2023. Of these, only 63 applicants (1.38%) were successful. Just 25 people were granted full refugee status, while another four received international protection. The court upheld protections in 25 more cases and ordered retrials for eight.
This latest sentencing is part of a broader legal trend in Cyprus, where authorities are targeting not only traffickers but also migrants who collaborate with smuggling networks. The court emphasized that it hopes such rulings will send a strong message to discourage further involvement in illegal migration efforts.