Andreas Eleftheriou vividly recalls his harrowing experiences in Turkish prisons during the summer of 1974, following the Turkish invasion of Cyprus. As a resistance fighter in Cyprus during the Attila days, he fought in the battle at Sychari, where 180 Greek Cypriot artillery soldiers, mostly young men, faced Turkish commandos. Only 25 survived and were taken to Turkish prisons, enduring over three months of brutal conditions, reminiscent of “Midnight Express.”
As a guest on the Voice of Greece show “Take Your Time,” Andreas recounted the battle’s devastating loss and the subsequent abandonment of Cyprus by political leaders in Athens and Nicosia. The appalling conditions and psychological tortures in prison left a lasting impact on him, fundamentally changing his perspective on life and shaping his choices. He emotionally described the moment of his return, falling into his mother’s arms, who had anxiously awaited news of his release. The experience taught him three invaluable lessons: the importance of air, water, and freedom. There are only three things I don’t want life to deprive me of: Air, Water, and my Freedom. He cherishes the bond with his fellow prisoners, who supported each other through their ordeal, and whom he still considers his “brothers.”
Fifty years later, Andreas Eleftheriou shares his chilling story of survival and resilience during the invasion of Cyprus in July 1974.