Left-wing opposition party AKEL has condemned the arrest of three citizens who released balloons bearing Palestinian flags during a football match between Pafos FC and Maccabi Tel Aviv in Limassol.
AKEL described the arrests as “a provocative act of authoritarianism, intimidation and criminalisation of freedom of expression”. The incident occurred at a considerable distance from the stadium where the match was taking place, AKEL notes.
“The provocation is even greater given that inside the stadium police had no problem with Israeli flags being displayed whilst allowing Israeli team supporters to light flares and smoke bombs – actions that normally constitute criminal offences,” the party stated. These activities took place in the presence of President Christodoulides, who attended the match.
AKEL said it had already made protest representations to police authorities since yesterday. “We demand that police and the Justice Minister explain under which law and reasoning the Palestinian flag is considered a prohibited symbol,” the party said.
The party “called for immediate withdrawal of charges against the citizens involved”.
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