A farmers’ protest in Cyprus escalated on Friday morning outside the Presidential Palace, as livestock farmers gathered to demonstrate over the culling of animals in infected farms linked to foot-and-mouth disease.
Presidential Palace became the focal point of the planned protest, which had been organised by the livestock group “Voice of Farmers”.
Tensions at GSP stadium before march
The protest was scheduled to begin at around 10:00 am from the GSP Stadium, before participants would march towards the Presidential Palace.
However, the protest did not proceed as planned, with tensions reported between farmers and police over the transport of trucks to the demonstration site.
According to reports, farmers claimed that police attempted to disperse the gathering and prevent the movement of vehicles linked to the protest.
Farmers consider escalation measures
Following tensions at GSP Stadium, farmers reportedly discussed several possible escalation steps, including:
- Blocking the highway network
- Closing ports and airports
- Bringing a limited number of trucks to the Presidential Palace instead of the full fleet
Sources said one proposal was submitted to police for approval.
The movement has warned that frustration is growing over the handling of animal culling measures in infected livestock units.
Police presence and growing tension
Police units were deployed at GSP Stadium, with reports of heightened tension between officers and farmers as the gathering developed.
Representatives of the organisation “Voice of Farmers” accused authorities of attempting to dismantle a peaceful protest, claiming that a heavy police presence was used to prevent the demonstration from proceeding as agreed.
Strong statements from organisers
The president of the organisation, Neophytos Neophytou, said police actions contradicted prior understandings regarding the protest.
He alleged that farmers had gathered peacefully and accused authorities of treating them as criminals, claims which could not be independently verified.
The protest, he said, was intended as a peaceful demonstration over the government’s handling of livestock disease outbreaks.
Call for access to farms and further escalation warnings
The vice-president of the organisation, Christodoulos Christodoulou, addressed authorities directly, urging officials to “visit the farms” and witness conditions firsthand.
Meanwhile, crowds continued to gather outside the GSP Stadium area as the situation remained tense.
Protest centres on animal culling policy
The demonstration is primarily focused on the culling of animals in infected farms affected by foot-and-mouth disease.
Farmers argue that current measures have caused significant losses and express strong dissatisfaction with how the situation has been managed by competent authorities.
The farmers’ protest continues to demand an immediate end to animal culling practices in affected units.
Also read: Livestock farmers protest at Presidential Palace over foot-and-mouth
For more videos and updates, check out our YouTube channel
