According to his statement, the incident occurred at around 23:25 on Monday night, while he was driving his car on the Delikipos – Lythrodontas road, on his way home. At one point, three unknown individuals riding two motorcycles and wearing black hoods blocked his path. One of the suspects pointed a gun at him and threatened him, while at the same time the other two accomplices caused extensive damage to the front windscreen of his vehicle. According to a Police statement, the case and the motives of the attack are being investigated by the Larnaca CID..
Speaking about the incident to Politis 107,6 and the programme Morning Briefing, the same person said he would not back down and would “go even further.” Regarding the individual who pressed the gun to his forehead and threatened him, Neofytou said he believed the person was Cypriot based on the accent. “He threatened me with a gun that if I do not back down on the issue of foot and mouth disease, which I have been dealing with recently, I should understand what will happen next time,” he stated.
He added that he cannot link the incident to a specific issue, noting that the matter of foot and mouth disease is complex and broad, adding that “some are affected for benefit, some for damage, now in what direction I cannot say anything further.”
In statements to CNA, he also said that “there are cameras in the area,” the footage of which could be used by Police. At the same time, he claimed that the issues brought to light by the 'Voice of Livestock Farmers' are causing discomfort. “Now who is more affected and who less is for the Police to find,” he added.
On behalf of the government, Government Spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis condemned the attack. “Participation by any of us in public life, the expression of positions and the pursuit of demands cannot be targeted. This is a blow to Democracy,” he said.
Regarding the 'front' of the virus, around 70,000 animals have been culled to date, while a further 6,000 cullings are pending, according to the president of the Cyprus Veterinary Association, Dimitris Epameinondas, who stressed that these are expected to take place “as soon as possible, once suitable burial sites are found.”
He noted that the protection of personnel must always be taken into account, adding that staff will not proceed with cullings unless the presence of Police is ensured.
Regarding the decision to prevent the movement of animals to the occupied areas, Dr Epameinondas explained that this must be addressed in two ways. The first is more effective monitoring of legal crossing points and the ceasefire line by the Police and the military, while the second is increasing the fines imposed for such violations.
He also expressed the view that these measures will be stronger and will help achieve the intended goal, emphasising that compliance by livestock farmers will be decisive.
