A new protest is underway outside the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Nicosia, following a call by left-wing party AKEL for renewed mobilisation in response to alleged police violence during a peaceful pro-Palestinian demonstration the previous evening.
The protest began at 6:00 PM and includes participants not only from AKEL but also from various other organisations and civil society groups.
The demonstration was organised as a direct response to what organisers described as a violent crackdown by police during a solidarity rally for the Palestinian people held outside the Foreign Ministry late Thursday evening.
Protesters at today’s gathering waved Palestinian flags and carried banners condemning Israeli actions in Gaza, with slogans targeting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Many described the ongoing military campaign in Gaza as involving “war crimes”.
Public safety measures
Ahead of Friday’s protest, the Cyprus Police issued a public notice confirming that officers would be present to ensure public safety, assist the public, and manage traffic in the area. The notice urged participants to comply with police instructions.
The police presence comes after tensions flared during Thursday’s protest, when citizens gathered to condemn the interception of the Sumud solidarity flotilla by Israeli forces. The flotilla was attempting to breach the maritime blockade on Gaza.
According to organisers of Thursday’s event, police moved against demonstrators without provocation, allegedly using tear gas and engaging in physical aggression. AKEL, which also participated in the demonstration, strongly condemned what it described as an “unprovoked attack” and accused authorities of “state repression” and “subservience to the Netanyahu regime”.
In a statement issued Friday, AKEL declared: “Last night’s unprovoked police assault on the solidarity demonstration with Palestine will not go unanswered.”
Police association rejects allegations of excessive force
In response, the Cyprus Police Association issued a statement offering “full support” to its officers, stating that they faced disorder during what it described as a spontaneous protest outside the Foreign Ministry.
The Association firmly denied accusations of excessive force or “fascist behaviour”, saying such claims were unfounded.
According to their version of events, repeated police requests for demonstrators to clear the road were ignored. Protesters reportedly blocked both lanes of traffic, obstructing movement and the right of free passage for hundreds of citizens.
“When officers approached and made further appeals for compliance,” the statement said, “they were the first to be attacked and responded using only the necessary and proportionate force as required by law.”
The Association added that the arbitrary and unjustified road closures without prior notice, violated the rights of other citizens and could not be tolerated.