GREEN Party leader George Perdikis took matters into his own hands yesterday morning, tearing down three billboards on the way into Nicosia, just past the Kalispera traffic lights.
Perdikis told the Cyprus Mail that he was only helping the government in implementing the law abolishing illegal billboards. “We simply removed three illegal billboards that were on the pavement, blocking the way for pedestrians. I do not believe we did anything illegal,” said Perdikis.
As soon as the advertising companies found out what Perdikis was doing, they called the police, who immediately visited the area and asked Perdikis and the two activists to leave.
“The police simply took our names and asked us to leave. And we did,” said Perdikis. “We now believe it is up the municipalities, the government and the Attorney-general, Solon Nikita, to take responsibility for the illegal billboards and finally to implement the law that states they must be removed.”
The law was passed on June 14, but a grace period was allowed until October 1. That was then extended to November 1. However nothing has been done since then, and Perdikis is urging Communications Minister Kikis Kazamias to enforce the legislation immediately and tear down all illegal billboards. The government is holding off implementation, pending an assessment from the Attorney-general of whether officials can move in on the billboards without facing trespass suits.
“We have spoken to the advertising companies who have threatened to take us to court for our actions. If that’s the case, we will be more than willing to go and fight for our cause,” said Perdikis.
Advertising companies reacted angrily to Perdikis’ action, accusing him of taking the law into his own hands. Director of Mega Ad Panel Ilias Pountoukides told the Cyprus Mail yesterday his customers had paid for their space on the billboards and were furious they had been torn down.
“We have spoken to Perdikis and presented him with the facts that until the Attorney-general reaches a decision about the billboards it is against the law for him to tear our adverts down,” said Pountoukides.
“It is up to the Communications Ministry and the government to implement the law, not some deputy and activist.”
Pountoukides added that if their billboards were in fact illegal then they would have no choice but to comply with the law and remove them.
“If they are illegal we will take them down. We will have no problem with removing them if the new legislation stipulates they are wrongfully placed,” said Pountoukides.
“The law until now stated that the billboards were acceptable and suddenly a new legislation stipulates they are illegal,” he added.
Pountoukides said that if the law was implemented, the company would be forced to close down and 25 employees would lose their jobs.
“Perdikis’ actions prove that he has no respect for the law,” he said.
Government Spokesman Kypros Chrysostomides said yesterday no one should take the law into their own hands.
“Only the Minister of Communications can implement the law to abolish illegal billboards, and he is taking all the necessary steps before doing so, such as consulting the Attorney-general’s office. By taking the law into your own hands you are showing disrespect to the state and the government,” said Chysostomides.
Kazamias yesterday insisted the government was not delaying the implementation of the law and expected the Attorney-general to reach a decision so they could move ahead. “I must have the approval of the Attorney-general before I can implement the law,” the minister said.
