A parliamentary candidate of the Active Citizen Movement – United Cyprus Hunters Movement has been removed from the party’s ballot after he was allegedly involved in a violent incident at a football ground in Larnaca over the weekend, during which he is said to have struck an assistant referee.
According to a statement by the movement, an emergency meeting was held on Sunday night, after which it said it wished to respond “with honesty and responsibility” to the incident that occurred during a football match and involved one of its candidates.
The movement said it became aware of the incident and the related audiovisual material through online circulation and media reports, as did the wider public.
It explained that it did not issue an immediate official statement because it considered it appropriate first to verify the facts, become fully informed about all circumstances and collectively assess the situation with the seriousness required.
“For us,” the statement added, “sport, like every social institution, is a space of respect, self‑control and fair competition.”
It further stressed that “any behaviour involving tension or aggression, regardless of circumstances, cannot be considered acceptable and does not align with the principles, values and ethos that our movement represents.”
As a result of his actions, the candidate automatically placed himself outside the party ballot, the movement underlined.
The movement added that following communication with the candidate’s family, it was also informed of his own position and his acknowledgment that the overall situation should not target, burden or overshadow the movement and its other candidates.
The United Cyprus Hunters Movement further clarified that “any behaviour or act that runs contrary to the principles, values and ethos of our movement cannot coexist with our collective course, regardless of position or status.”
In conclusion, the statement said that while the movement recognises that individuals may face difficult personal and psychological circumstances, this does not negate the need for responsibility, self‑awareness and respect for institutions and society.
The movement said it continues “with seriousness, unity and commitment to the principles it serves,” adding that it remains determined in its pursuit of change and social progress.
