Helmet wearing assailant attack uni vote

A GROUP of helmet-wearing, black-clad assailants stormed the hall where student elections were taking place at the University of Nicosia yesterday, assaulted people and made off with four ballot boxes. 

Police spokesman Michalis Katsounotos said the incident occurred at around 5.30pm, when “between 10 and 15 people wearing helmets and in black uniforms, entered swiftly and suddenly in formation into the hall where elections were taking place”. 

According to the spokesman, “they started throwing chairs, pushing people while at the same time one or two of them used spray on students in the hall who tried to respond”. They then stole four ballot boxes and marched out swiftly in formation again from the hall.  

Five people were affected by the spray used against them and required first aid treatment.  

“Police are conducting extensive investigations and taking statements from those present to identify the perpetrators and ascertain their precise motives,” Katsounotos said. 

Student bodies Proodeftiki and Protoporia condemned the attack on the election hall. Students were in the process of electing student representatives to the various departments of the university.