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An argument normally played out in Cyprus’ fields and hunting grounds moved to the steps of Parliament on Wednesday, as environmental activists and hunters gathered on opposite sides of a debate over who is watching whom and whether anyone is crossing the line.
Animal Party Cyprus, animal-welfare groups, and environmental activists held a peaceful protest while Parliament’s Environment Committee discussed the activities of certain environmental organizations and whether measures should be taken against them.
The issue was placed on the committee’s agenda by ELAM MPs. Hunters and several ELAM supporters gathered nearby to welcome the start of the discussion.
Animal Party President Kyriakos Kyriakou said the debate was troubling because it touched on democracy, volunteer work, and the right to campaign for environmental protection.
He said the party had come to deliver a memorandum and voice its concerns, adding that the Environment Committee “is neither a court nor the police nor a state security service.”
The Animal Party was not invited to attend the meeting because it is not represented in Parliament. Kyriakou also said the Committee Against Bird Slaughter, known as CABS, the organization at the center of many of the complaints, had not been invited to take part.
Hunters, meanwhile, accused some activists of going beyond simply reporting suspected poaching.
Andreas Hatzianastasis, president of the Paralimni Hunting Association, claimed activists had entered private property, filmed people, and used drones without permission. He stressed that hunting is a legal activity and said suspected violations should be handled by the Game and Fauna Service or police.
He said hunters oppose poaching but object specifically to the methods allegedly used by CABS.
CABS representative Andrea Rutigliano described the group’s absence from the committee meeting as “strange,” considering that much of the debate concerned its work.
He said CABS has operated in Cyprus for 18 years, cooperating with state authorities and providing evidence in illegal hunting and bird-trapping cases. He rejected claims that its members had been convicted of trespassing or causing damage, saying members had been acquitted in two related court cases.
Despite the sharp disagreement, both sides insisted they oppose poaching. The real dispute is over where legitimate monitoring ends and intrusion begins.
Police officers were present outside Parliament, along with the Aiandas riot-control vehicle, as protesters held signs supporting activism and the protection of animals and the environment.
Hadjianastasis said activists’ actions damage Cyprus’ reputation abroad and called for hunters to be able to file complaints when they believe their rights have been violated.
