Coronavirus: More people charged over Limassol demo (Updated)

Three more people, aged 40, 27 and 31, were arrested in connection with the protest in Limassol last Saturday, police said on Monday.

Two persons, aged 40 and 27, were arrested on Monday and a 31-year-old man on Sunday, all three on suspicion of urging people to participate in the event, in violation of the law against the spread of coronavirus, but also for the use of loud speakers without a permit. The 31-year-old is also suspected of malicious damage and theft.

“Investigations continue through witness testimonies, posts, photos and videos,” Justice Minister Emily Yiolitis tweeted.

“This is not the time for demonstrations where criminals can infiltrate the mob. The measures will be observed by all for the good of all.”

Police said on Monday evening that nine of the 23 people arrested on Saturday, between 16 and 27, were still in custody after being remanded for three days on Sunday. They are being investigated for conspiracy to commit a crime, riot, illegal possession and transfer of explosives and causing malicious damage to property.

Apart from the nine people who were remanded, another three were charged in writing for assault and another five were identified as taking part in the protest. All 17 received a €300 fine, police said.

Around 1,000 people took part in the demonstration, police said, that went ahead without a relevant licence and was against the recent health ministry’s decree imposing lockdown in both Limassol and Paphos to prevent the spread of coronavirus amongst other issues.

Four police officers from the MMAD unit were slightly injured by protesters during the event, taken to hospital and sent home.

During the evening police found six Molotov cocktails hidden behind a bin that were ready for use. A patrol of the area later in the evening also found a pipe bomb which was safely detonated.

Damages to property on Anexartisias Street and Heroes square were also recorded, with three shop windows, 18 concrete posts and seven electricity poles broken.

 

 

 

 

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