Larnaca, Cyprus. Police on Monday evening arrested five of eight men wanted in connection with a brawl that broke out in Larnaca on Saturday afternoon. The five are expected to appear before Larnaca district court on Tuesday for a remand hearing.
Arrests and allegations
The suspects are accused of offences including conspiracy to commit a felony or misdemeanour, illegal possession and transportation of a firearm or explosives, extortion, participation in a criminal organisation or committing offences, demanding property by threat, assault causing serious bodily harm, threatening behaviour and possession of offensive weapons.
Police said efforts are under way to locate the remaining three suspects.
Mayor raises concerns over organised crime
Larnaca mayor Andreas Vyras on Monday voiced concern over what he described as the growing influence of organised crime following the mass brawl in the town centre on Saturday.
Speaking to television channel Ant1, Vyras said he had been concerned about developments surrounding organised crime for some time and indicated the incident was part of a wider pattern of criminal activity in Larnaca.
“This situation cannot continue. Incidences of attempted assassinations in Larnaca are well known. Organised crime cannot simply be easily fought,” he said.
While acknowledging statements made by the police and Justice Minister Costas Fitiris, Vyras said these had not been matched by concrete measures and called on the central government to intervene.
“I do not think any measures have been announced… increasing patrols is not something which touches organised crime. Organised crime requires a lot more things and a lot more actions,” he said.
Details of the incident
The brawl erupted near Larnaca’s police headquarters on Saturday afternoon, with reports that a man was attacked using fists and sticks, while a knife was allegedly drawn and gunshots were heard in the area.
What measures do you think should be prioritised to address organised crime in Larnaca?