In recent years, the Cyprus Police Force has come under scrutiny for its handling of events requiring crowd management, with a string of incidents exposing significant shortcomings in their approach.
The latest critique follows a series of high-profile events marred by violence and disorder, prompting questions about the effectiveness of law enforcement in such situations.
From clashes at sporting events to protests turning into violent anti-migrant riots, each incident has highlighted systemic issues within the police force.
One notable case occurred during the Sigma TV channel incidents on July 18, 2021, where demonstrations opposing mandatory vaccination spiraled out of control, leading to violent attacks at Sigma that resulted in vandalism, injuries, and extensive property damage, risking the lives of Sigma employees.
Despite warnings and clear instructions, law enforcement struggled to contain the situation, leading to criticism of their preparedness and response.
Similarly, the Tsirio incidents on December 4, 2022, saw clashes between rival fans escalating to the point of match postponement.
Despite prior alerts from stadium authorities about the potential for violence, the police response was deemed insufficient, raising concerns about their ability to preemptively address security threats.
In another troubling incident at the “Tassos Papadopoulos” arena on March 26, 2023, confrontations between basketball fans turned violent both inside and outside the venue.
Questions arose about how a group of fans known for disruptive behavior were allowed entry, highlighting lapses in security protocols and crowd control measures.
Most recently, the Chloraka incidents on August 27, 2023, underscored the challenges faced by law enforcement in managing protests and preventing outbreaks of violence.
Despite efforts to maintain order, clashes between demonstrators and authorities resulted in arrests, physical attacks against the local migrant community and their property, casting further doubt on the police force’s ability to maintain public safety during tense situations.
The Limassol attacks that took place on September 1, 2023, have sparked criticism towards law enforcement for what some perceive as a delayed reaction.
A mob of more than 200 demonstrators attacked migrants, and members of the media, as well as vandalized properties. Even the President of the Cyprus Ports Authority was targeted, reportedly due to his perceived ethnicity.
Despite what was described as a comprehensive plan, authorities seemingly lacked the necessary determination or capability to prevent the protest from escalating into a violent confrontation.
The police’s strategy, though detailed, failed to avert indiscriminate attacks. Subsequently, clashes spilled over into central avenues of Limassol, raising questions about law enforcement’s effectiveness to manage and contain such violence.
The recent hooligan violence on 24th January, 2024 at the Apollonas-AEL match at Alphamega Stadium, where hooligans invaded the pitch before the match, thew flares and caused the hearing loss of a young girl, leading to the match’s cancellation, is the latest example.
The Minister of Justice, Marios Hartsiotis, stated that 10 days before the game there were reports of potential incidents. Despite the availability of this information, hooliganism led both to injuries and the match’s chancellation.
