Concerns raised regarding Iranian asylum seekers in Cyprus and bilateral extradition agreements

Lawyer Michalis Paraskevas has expressed concerns regarding the status of Iranian asylum seekers in Cyprus, specifically citing the 2014 bilateral agreement between the Republic of Cyprus and Iran on the transfer of convicts and extradition of fugitives. This agreement was signed during a visit by the former Iranian Minister of Justice, Mostafa Pourmohamadi, to Nicosia. Paraskevas warns that the agreement poses risks to Iranian political dissidents who have sought refuge on the island. A central case mentioned is that of 54-year-old Majid Eazadi, a carpet maker from Sari, who arrived in Cyprus in 2001 and has since faced repeated legal challenges and asylum rejections. Eazadi, a member of the Zoroastrian religious minority, left Iran citing persecution by the state. While advocates argue the agreement facilitates the return of dissidents, supporters of such diplomatic frameworks typically emphasize legal cooperation. The debate continues amidst reports of ongoing unrest in Iran and the resulting migration of those fleeing the regime.