The extent of last Saturday's demonstration, both in public debate and at the political level, makes today a particularly important day, with society, the state and state authorities being called upon to rise to the occasion. The parallel demonstrations planned in Nicosia and Limassol put the Police on alert, which is called upon to show proper judgment, adequate coordination and not to exceed the limits of the powers given to it, possibly resorting to disproportionate measures to suppress the protests. The injuries in last Saturday's demonstration should sound like a bell, both for those who will take part in today's demonstrations in order to preserve the peaceful nature of their protest, and for the Police who should act with the protection of the citizens in mind. . Participation in the protests is expected to be massive, with estimates for two to three thousand protesters.
On the side of the police is preparing a massive hand, not discreet presence, at least in the front line of the demonstration, however, will be on hand all units to intervene effectively when the need arises. The main concern has to do with the possible intrusion of disturbing elements in the demonstrations, both in Nicosia and Limassol, resulting in incidents. For this reason, special planning has been done to cover both demonstrations, while since yesterday members of the Police have been monitoring and investigating the areas around which the protesters will move, in order to prevent possible attempts by some to place objects in the area ( Molotov cocktails, stones, sticks) that may help in episodes during the demonstration. The members of the body also have their eyes open for a possible counter-demonstration that may occur at the same time, while the fact that the football match between APOEL and Omonia will be held at the same time (they are afraid of a possible clash of fans) is intensely worrying. There will be guarding in places outside the demonstration area with a discreet presence of the Police.
“We are protesting peacefully”
The participation in the demonstrations is expected to be particularly massive with the organizers saying that the goal and pursuit of all is to demonstrate peacefully, without deviations and always taking all the appropriate precautionary measures for the pandemic. At the same time, the protesters expressed their intention to guard the demonstration on their own and to act immediately and deterrently in case of any deviations from anyone along the way. The demonstration in Nicosia, in essence, is, according to the organizers, a protest that moves on two main axes, the class and the anti-authoritarian. According to one of the organizers in Alpha yesterday, the protesters are demanding, among other things, an end to the treatment of the pandemic with the logic of repression, while ensuring the protection of vulnerable groups from Covid-19 disease. They also called for the immediate support of workers, locals, migrants and asylum seekers affected by the pandemic, and also called for increased investment in health and education rather than for the Police and various armaments programs, including “Aiada”. They also demand the lifting of the ban on demonstrations, support for culture and amateur sports, as well as an end to police violence.
Do not exceed the limits
The government, through Kyriakos Kousiou, yesterday called on the police not to deal disproportionately with cases of violence that may arise during the demonstrations, while at the same time rejecting the nihilistic criticism against the body and asking for mutual respect. The government spokesman, however, did not fail to send a message to those who encourage or participate in rallies, saying they are violating the decree and should be prepared to take responsibility if the epidemiological picture of these demonstrations deteriorates. Referring to the Police, he stressed that he must perform his duties in accordance with the law and regulations and should not exceed the limits of his authority, while he went on to say that there should be no disproportionate treatment of cases of violence that occur and members of the body should always act with respect for the citizen. On the other hand, he opposed the leveling negative treatment of the Police. He pointed out that everyone should understand “that the Police are there to protect the citizen and his rights. In order for the citizen and all of us to be able to do this, we must protect and respect the Police “, he stressed.
Scientific team
The scientific team clarified yesterday that it has sent the message to the government unanimously, that the demonstrations, once all the precautionary measures are observed, do not pose a greater risk than any gathering in other places for other purposes. However, the government still maintains its position, a fact that alienates AKEL, but also other opposition parties, such as the Green Movement, which is calling for the lifting of the ban on demonstrations. AKEL even calls on the government to answer the question “why does it refuse to listen to the advice of scientists and insist on a decree that violates the requirements of the Constitution and the European Convention on Human Rights?”.
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