Masked assailants intercept vehicle
Police are investigating an armed threat case following an incident involving the president of the Voice of Livestock Farmers, Neophytos Neophytou, late on Tuesday night.
According to the complaint, at around 11:25pm, Neophytou was returning from a meeting of the Voice of Livestock Farmers committee when three individuals riding two motorcycles blocked the path of his vehicle. The suspects were reportedly wearing face coverings.
‘Stop speaking about foot-and-mouth disease’
Speaking on the Protoselido programme, Neophytou said he initially believed the individuals were young people playing a prank. However, after stopping his vehicle, two of the suspects allegedly approached the front of the car and damaged the windscreen, while a third reportedly pointed a handgun at his head.
Describing the incident, he claimed the suspects warned him to withdraw from his public interventions and activities concerning the issue of foot-and-mouth disease.
According to Neophytou, the assailants made clear threats about the consequences he could face if he continued his involvement in the matter.
Police examining CCTV footage
Police responded immediately to the complaint, with officers attending the scene to conduct examinations.
Investigators are also reviewing CCTV footage from the area as part of the ongoing probe into the case. The investigation is being handled by the Larnaca Criminal Investigation Department (CID).
In a statement, police said they are investigating offences related to threats, assault, unlawful possession of a firearm and malicious damage to property.
‘I will not back down’
Despite the alleged intimidation, Neophytou said he has no intention of changing his stance.
He stressed that he will continue advocating for the Voice of Livestock Farmers, seeking solutions to the sector’s problems and pursuing compensation claims for livestock farmers, insisting that the threats would not deter him from his public role.
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