protesting — President Nikos Christodoulides has stated that “no one is banned from protesting,” addressing concerns following a heavy-handed police response to a demonstration outside the foreign ministry on Thursday night. His remarks came during his arrival at a rural culture festival in the village of Lofou, where he reiterated the government’s commitment to the right to protest.
On Thursday, demonstrators gathered to voice their opposition to Israel’s interception of boats heading towards Gaza, part of the Gaza Sumud flotilla. The protest escalated when riot police intervened, deploying pepper spray and engaging in physical confrontations with attendees.
“The police have taken a very specific position,” Christodoulides remarked, defending recent legislation that imposes stricter regulations on protests, which had come under fire following the events of Thursday night. He stated that protests and the right to demonstrate are “absolutely respected and guaranteed” in Cyprus.
The president acknowledged ongoing criticism of police actions, urging a balanced view of the circumstances under which security forces operate. He mentioned that any alleged excessive use of force would be investigated, assuring that appropriate measures would be taken if necessary.
Following the protest, the political landscape shifted with Akel condemning the police’s response as an “unprovoked attack.” The party called for further protests, stating, “Akel calls on everyone who does not tolerate state repression and the government’s subservience to the Netanyahu regime to mobilise.”
Volt echoed similar sentiments, emphasising that “violent repression of peaceful demonstrations has no place in a democratic and European country.” They condemned the police violence against demonstrators advocating for Palestinian rights, asserting that such actions undermine the principles of democracy.
Accounts from the protest highlighted the chaotic scene, with a journalist from Haravgi reporting being injured during the police intervention. Veteran journalist Christos Christofides described being “thrown to the ground” amid the turmoil, thanking those who assisted him in escaping potential injury from the crowd.
The union of Cyprus journalists condemned the police’s actions, noting that one of their members, despite identifying as a journalist, faced violence from officers. They called for an investigation led by Police Chief Themistos Arnaoutis, demanding accountability for the errant officers involved.
The police response was justified by their statement that the protestors had blocked a lane of traffic outside the foreign ministry, necessitating intervention to clear the area. This incident in Nicosia was part of a broader wave of global protests against Israel’s military actions, which saw thousands taking to the streets in cities worldwide including Barcelona, Milan, and Paris.