Limassol, Greece – An emergency meeting convened by Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides on Saturday has acknowledged the police’s failure to contain the racist violence that erupted in Limassol the previous night.
During the nearly two-hour meeting, government sources revealed that it was widely accepted that Friday’s operational plan by the police had been a failure. No official statements were made following the meeting, but sources indicated that there is a need to de-escalate the situation, especially given the upcoming anti-fascist protests scheduled for Saturday evening, with a focus on preventing any risks to public safety and the safety of citizens.
Furthermore, it was noted that the infiltration of extremist elements into protests is now a serious phenomenon, deliberately inciting violence.
Regarding the damaged properties during Friday night’s incidents, it was mentioned that this issue would be examined at a later stage.
Earlier in the day, President Christodoulides spoke of disgraceful scenes during the anti-migrant protest the previous night in Limassol, stating that those proved to be responsible would bear the financial cost of the damages they caused. “There is not much that can be said, apart from the disgraceful scenes we witnessed,” the president said.
Amid widespread criticism of the tardy and ineffective police response as mobs ran riot in the city, Christodoulides said he had called an emergency meeting with the police chief and officials in charge of the police operation.
The president emphasised that the violence had no relation to the handling of immigration. “If all those involved loved or cared about our homeland, they would not engage in such actions that, first and foremost, offend our country,” he stated.
He reiterated that there were results in the last six months regarding the numbers of migrants entering Cyprus, with a reduction in arrivals, more returns than arrivals in the country, and an examination of 80 per cent more applications.
“We have a specific plan and strategy,” he said. “I can say today, knowing the importance of every word I utter, that we will address the immigration issue.”
“What we saw last night has nothing to do with immigration, and we should not confuse the two issues – it is a matter of public order,” he stressed.
When asked if the government will support individuals whose property was damaged, the president stated that the government will stand by them, but at the same time, he noted that there is a relevant provision in the law for those who are convicted. “Those who are responsible and have been arrested, if and when it is proven that they are responsible, should bear the financial cost of their actions,” he concluded.
Present at the meeting were various officials, including the Justice Minister Anna Koukkidou Procopiou, Interior Minister Constantinos Ioannou, government spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis, the deputy attorney general Savvas Angelides, and the leadership of the police.
Addressing the media at the start of the meeting, Christodoulides was particularly scathing, stating that he feels shame for the events that took place and indicating that those responsible should feel shame as well.
“We cannot protect our citizens; we cannot protect the tourists who come to this country,” the president said.
House president and Disy leader Annita Demetriou was also swift to condemn the violence and the police response.
“The disgraceful incidents that occurred last night in Limassol represent a blatant failure of legality against lawlessness,” she said.
Demetriou stated that the dangerous and anarchic situation imposed by a few hooligans and the inability to enforce order and security raise serious questions and carry significant responsibilities.
She emphasised that responsibility also lies with all those who, through their statements or actions, promote racism, xenophobia, the use of violence against innocent citizens, and the destruction of property. “We will not allow our country to fall into chaos.”
