The Ecologists Movement has voiced strong condemnation regarding the carrying of the Holy Fire ceremony by ELAM members at Makarios Hospital on Easter Sunday.
The party is demanding explanations from both the Ministry of Health and the State Health Services Organisation (SHSO).
In a statement, the Ecologists Movement highlighted the exploitation of religion as a recurring tactic by nationalist populists.
It pointed to recent events involving the ELAM President and unidentified individuals at the Habakkuk Monastery as evidence of this trend.
Additionally, the Ecologists Movement has posed the following questions:
- Who was the competent authority of the Church and the State that allowed this ceremony to take place at Makarios Hospital?
- Who allowed the transfer of the Holy Fire by a partisan candidate, amidst fascist salutes, in a public hospital where children with cancer are treated?
The party emphasised their extensive experience with charity events for hospitalised children at Makarios Hospital, noting the rigorous procedures typically observed noting that “we know from our long experience that a series of strict procedures are followed”.
It further stated that even during their recent visit to the hospital, strict confidentiality measures were followed due to the sensitive nature of the setting.
The Ecologists Movement further emphasised that Makarios Hospital is not an appropriate venue for pre-election campaigning or partisan exploitation.
The party called upon both the Ministry of Health and the SHSO to address concerns surrounding the “pre-election Easter feast” held at Makarios Hospital, characterised by what they described as “fascist salutes.”
