Authorities are facing mounting criticism after violently dispersing protesters and arresting four people following a peaceful demonstration over the killing of a migrant by a police officer.
In an announcement on Thursday, the Alliance Against the Far Right, Fascism and Racism condemned the police response at its 21 January assembly, following incidents that occurred after a protest march on 19 January in Nicosia.
The demonstration was held to protest the death of Shoaib Khan, a 24-year-old migrant who was killed by police in Potamia on 6 January.
According to the Alliance, police officers launched an unprovoked attack on demonstrators on Ledra Street after the peaceful protest had concluded.
The group criticised authorities for suppressing anti-racist activism rather than addressing racist behaviour and hate speech. It called the arrests politically motivated intimidation aimed at deterring public protest.
The Alliance has demanded state institutions take responsibility for addressing these issues.
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