Cyprus deports two foreign nationals suspected of terrorist activities

A 28-year-old Azerbaijani man and a 27-year-old Estonian woman were deported from Cyprus on March 12, 2025, after being declared undesirable persons. The couple arrived in Cyprus on February 23 and was arrested three days later following intelligence reports linking them to potential hostile acts against Israeli interests. Authorities alleged that the man had ties to Iranian circles, including the Revolutionary Guard, and had traveled to Iran twice in 2025. Surveillance data reportedly showed the suspects photographing Israeli-affiliated facilities in Paphos, Limassol, and Larnaca. The suspects were held in custody for 14 days under court orders. Their defense lawyers claimed that the suspects had reported being followed to the police on February 25, just one day prior to their arrest. Ultimately, police did not file criminal charges in the Assize Court, leading to the couple's expulsion to Estonia via Larnaca Airport.