Controversy Erupts Over South Cyprus MEP Fidias Panayotu’s Remarks

According to Alithia, Panayotu’s comments in a podcast interview drew criticism after journalist, researcher, and AKEL member Mihalis Mihail stated that “Grigoris Avksentiu of EOKA was already dead when British soldiers set fire to the hideout he was in, and they burned it to conceal his death.” Panayotu’s subsequent social media posts, seen as insulting to the nation’s history, have prompted calls for his resignation from the European Parliament.

Several political and historical organizations, including the Grigoris Avksentiu Research Center, DIKO, EDEK, DIPA, and ELAM, publicly criticized Panayotu. The Grigoris Avksentiu Research Center condemned attempts to diminish the heroism and sacrifice of Avksentiu. DIKO highlighted Avksentiu’s sacrifices as a cornerstone of national honor, emphasizing that distortions insulting heroes’ legacies are unacceptable. ELAM accused AKEL of undermining the struggle of “Cypriot Hellenism” through lies and fabricated narratives. DIPA President Marios Karoyan also opposed any misrepresentation of Avksentiu’s historical contributions on social media.

In response, South Cyprus President Nikos Hristodulidis shared a photograph of Avksentiu on social media along with his words: “When the knife reaches the bone, I will fight and die like a Greek, but they will never capture me alive.”

Grigoris Avksentiu, a national hero among Greek Cypriots, fought against British rule in Cyprus and was second in command within the EOKA hierarchy after Grivas. Historical accounts state that Avksentiu refused to surrender to British forces, who, unable to capture him alive, set fire to the hideout where he was located, resulting in his death.