Michalis Paraskevas: 'He Would Walk on Water to Return to Iran'

Human rights lawyer Michalis Paraskevas comments on a controversial agreement between Cyprus and Iran regarding the extradition of fugitives and the transfer of convicts, signed in 2014.

In his note, Mr. Paraskevas expresses concerns about the risks the agreement poses to Iranian dissidents who have sought refuge in Cyprus as political refugees. He points out that the experience of recent years confirms his concerns, as Iran has experienced waves of social upheaval, with women at the forefront.

Michalis Paraskevas refers to an Iranian political refugee who has been living in Cyprus for over 20 years, who stated that he loves his homeland but hates the regime that hanged his father. He characteristically said that if the government in Iran changes, he would be able to walk on water to return.