Nicosia, Cyprus. Authorities said late on Thursday they would take a firm stance on protests planned by farmers for Friday, warning that police would prevent any attempt to block roads.
Meeting with justice minister
The decision was made during a meeting of police leadership and Justice Minister Costas Fitiris. Fitiris later said no one would be allowed to occupy any section of the road, adding that if protesters tried to shut down the road, police would prevent them from doing so.
Planned demonstration at key junction
Farmers, protesting measures to contain the spread of foot-and-mouth disease, are planning a demonstration on Friday at the Rizoelia roundabout. The roundabout sits at the intersection of the motorway connecting Larnaca and Nicosia and the motorway connecting Larnaca and Ayia Napa.
Farmers indicated they would block the junction, with a spokesman saying, “we are sure that everyone will see something very big and correct which the whole world will understand.”
Police statement on restrictions
In a statement issued on Thursday evening, police said “approaching, loitering, gathering and/or preventing traffic at the Rizoelia roundabout or at any other point on the fast lanes, by any person and by any means, will not be permitted.”
Police said they respect the right to peaceful assembly and demonstration, but will intervene where such actions affect public safety, public order, or the free transit of the public. They added that the planned gathering by livestock farmers at Rizoelia is “not permitted.”
How do you think authorities should balance the right to protest with keeping major roads open?
