Larnaca, Cyprus. Larnaca municipality has condemned a series of vandalism incidents targeting public monuments and cultural spaces, including damage to the statue of Eoka member Michalakis Parides and inside the Mesoyios artists’ park. The municipality said it has launched procedures to investigate the cases and will submit a formal complaint to the police.
Damage to statue and park
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the municipality said unknown individuals threw paint onto the statue of Parides, causing damage to what it described as a memorial dedicated to a figure of historical significance.
In a separate incident at the Mesoyios artists’ park, tiles were removed from a fountain installation following earlier vandalism to sculptures in the same area.
Municipality response
The municipality said the actions represent an unacceptable insult to public property, cultural heritage and the collective memory of the city. It added that the incidents are being treated as serious offences against public spaces and civic heritage.
The municipality also called on members of the public to provide any information that may assist the investigation, saying cooperation is important in identifying those responsible.
Background on Michalakis Parides
Michalakis Parides was a member of the Eoka organisation during the anti-colonial struggle in Cyprus against British rule.
He held a leadership role within the Larnaca district network, Aris, and participated in guerrilla activity until his death in 1958 during a shootout with British soldiers in Vavla.
