ELAM march takes place without drama

MEMBERS of the far right group ELAM last night waved Greek flags as they marched against illegal immigrants on the island in an event that passed peacefully.

Last time the National People’s Front (ELAM) staged a march, again in Larnaca, a riot ensued as it crossed paths with a festival promoting racial tolerance. Last night police had prepared for the worst, with 120 officers ready to intervene in the case of trouble.

Shouting “foreigners out,” over 100 helmet-clad youths marched from the start of Phinikoudes last night, reaching their end point at the Ayios Lazaros church an hour and a half later. At the Ayios Lazaros church various ELAM representatives gave speeches, including Stratos Nikolaou, who referred to measures taken in France against the burka.

Along with ELAM members around 120 police marched and members of the public who also wished to show their support. The members marched in a military formation while repeating slogans shouted at them by a leader.

Police spokesman Michalis Katsounotos received assurances from the organisers of the march that it would be peaceful. “In no instance do we plan on provoking any episodes, since our event is peaceful in this way sending the correct message to those governing us,” said ELAM representative Christos Christou.

Katsounotos said that around 120 members of the police force, including MMAD police were involved in the operation. “The police are taking precautions so that the recent sad events that took place at Phinikoudes are not repeated,” he said.

“The chief of police has given instructions for the police to intervene if the need arises,” said Katsounotos.

 

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