Testimonials

CASE 1
Mr. S., 35 years old, comes from Iran and he is in Cyprus since 2005. In his country, he was arrested three times because of his political activity. During these arrests, he was tortured and in particular, underwent non-systematic beatings, was raped several times and received electroshock in different parts of his body. Through URVT, he was examined by a general doctor, received legal advice and had sessions with the psychologist of the UNIT. Moreover, he received guidance by the social counsellor regarding his rights, found housing, and was referred to community services.

CASE 2
Mr. K., 45 years old, comes from Iran and came to Cyprus in 1997 with his brother. In his country, he was arrested two times as it was considered that his action was in opposition to the government. During these arrests, he was kept in a small room, underwent non-systematic beatings, was given unsanitary food and was present at mock executions. Through URVT, he was examined by a general doctor, received legal guidance and psychological support. In addition, a certificate was prepared by the multi-disciplinary team of the Unit supporting the stand that he is a victim of torture.

CASE 3

Mr. A., 35 years old, is Kurdish from Syria and came to Cyprus in 2005. In his country he was arrested due to being involved in a political party considered to be in opposition to the government. He was arrested 7 times. During those arrests, he was tortured. He underwent non-systematic beatings while being blindfolded, “falanga”, “magic carpet”, electroshocks to sensitive and erotogenic body-parts, forced standing, movement and food restriction, detention in isolation, confinement in small places, forced partial nakedness. During his detainment, he was verbally assaulted and suffered threats against him and his family. Through URVT he received a specialised examination by a doctor, legal advice and psychological one-to-one support. Mr. A. is a recognised refugee now and he is still receiving social support and psychological services from the Unit.

CASE 4

Mr. M., 36 years old, is Kurdish from Turkey and came to Cyprus in 2005. He was arrested 3 times due to his political action and involvement in a group considered to have act against the government. For the duration of those arrests he was tortured. He underwent systematic beatings, electroshocks to erotogenic and sensitive body-parts, forced nakedness, movement restriction, he was hanged upright, and did not receive medical attention when needed. A certificate was prepared by the multi-disciplinary team of the Unit supporting his application as an asylum seeker in Cyprus. The reply regarding his refugee status is pending by the Reviewing Authority. However, he is still receiving social, legal and psychological support from URVT.