Newsroom
President Nikos Christodoulides announced Friday that anti-riot police from the Special Anti-Terrorist Squad (MMAD) will begin patrolling the popular Finikoudes promenade as of 8 p.m., following a surge in reports of assaults and hooliganism in the area.
During an unannounced visit to the Larnaca Police Directorate, Christodoulides said the deployment of 20 MMAD officers is a direct response to mounting concerns from residents and recent violent incidents, including attacks on delivery workers and passersby.
“Cyprus is a hospitable country, but that hospitality must not be taken for granted,” the president said after a meeting with Police Chief Themistoklis Arnaouti and Larnaca Police Director Yiannakis Sotiriadis.
The president also urged the judiciary to expedite the handling of hooliganism and assault cases, advocating for trials within a week and custody for suspects when immediate court dates aren’t possible.
“Otherwise, the message being sent is that actions outside the bounds of the law carry no consequences,” he warned.
Christodoulides said he spoke with Deputy Minister of Migration Nikolas Ioannidis and the Mayor of Larnaca to coordinate further steps, especially involving underage offenders. He acknowledged challenges related to the detention of minors but insisted facilities are nearing completion and the executive branch stands ready to act once judicial decisions are made.
“No group of 20, 30, or 40 individuals can be allowed to behave like this daily and create a climate of fear,” Christodoulides said. “This phenomenon cannot continue.”
