Nicosia, Cyprus. Livestock farmers tried to begin a planned march to the presidential palace on Friday morning over the government’s response to the foot and mouth disease outbreak, but police intervened and restricted the movement of tractors towards the protest route.
March blocked
The demonstration, organised by the newly formed farmer’s union Voice of Livestock Breeders, was scheduled to begin at about 10 a.m. at GSP stadium before continuing towards the presidential palace. By mid-morning, the march had not started, and reports said police were blocking trucks and tractors from leaving the stadium.
Farmers’ demands
“We gathered today to protest peacefully and the police came with barricades to suppress the gathering,” farmer’s union president Neophytos Neophytou said, adding that earlier understandings regarding the march had not been followed. Neophytos said participants had assembled according to the announced schedule and intended to proceed to the presidential palace as planned.
The group has called for an immediate suspension of culling operations in infected units and for what it describes as “proper compensation” for affected livestock producers.
Police deployment and outbreak response
Police were deployed in and around the GSP area as part of security arrangements for the demonstration, and the entrance to the presidential palace was also cordoned off. Authorities have previously said such measures are intended to ensure public order and manage traffic flow during large gatherings.
The protest comes amid continuing concern in the agricultural sector over the spread of foot and mouth disease, which has affected around 120 livestock units across the island, including three new cases recently confirmed in the Nicosia district. Earlier this week, President Nikos Christodoulides said the government was coordinating with scientific advisers and veterinary services to address the outbreak.
