Hundreds of demonstrators gathered in Nicosia to protest the Cypriot government’s perceived response following Israel’s seizure of the Global Sumud Flotilla heading to Gaza.
Organised by the Global Movement to Gaza Cyprus, United for Palestine, Far Right Watch Cyprus, and Genocide-Free Cyprus, the protest began at 6:30 pm, resulting in the closure of roads in front of the Ministry.
The peaceful protest, which aimed to demand a stronger official response from the Cypriot government, turned confrontational when anti-riot police intervened.
Eyewitness reports and videos confirm that police sprayed participants and attempted to disperse the protest violently, with officers seen pushing and attacking demonstrators in the crowd.
Moreover, dialogos.com.cy reported that a Haravgi journalist was attacked by police.
Activists are calling on Cyprus to “abide by the ICJ ruling” and condemn Israel’s seizure of the flotilla, which comprised about 50 ships and over 500 activists from around the world.
The protesters’ demands centre on the immediate release of the detained crew and adherence to international law regarding the situation in Gaza.
Protestors in Nicosia chant slogans such as “Free Palestine,” “Stop the genocide,” and “From Cyprus to Palestine, occupation is a crime”.
The flotilla’s interception in international waters on Wednesday has triggered global outcry.
Demonstrations took place in major cities around the world, including Ankara, Mexico City, Bogota, Buenos Aires and Madrid, in response to Israel’s interception of the flotilla.
The mission, which organisers describe as the largest humanitarian flotilla ever assembled, includes parliamentarians, journalists, lawyers and activists from Europe, the Americas, Asia and the Middle East.
The Global Sumud Flotilla represents the latest attempt by pro-Palestinian activists to breach Israel’s naval blockade of Gaza, which has been in place since 2007.
Palestine’s foreign ministry condemned Israel’s “attack and aggression” and said it is “gravely concerned” about the safety of activists on board the vessels, describing the flotilla as “a peaceful and civilian-led initiative aimed at breaking Israel’s inhumane and illegal blockade of the Gaza Strip”.
(Pictures: MATTPRESS/George Christoforou)
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