Complete Chaos: Cypriot Police Reflect on a Troubling Easter Weekend

The Cypriot police have released their report on the Easter weekend, which was plagued by fires, fights, arrests, and injuries caused by fireworks.

Police operations took place from Holy Saturday night into Easter Sunday, with the aim of preventing incidents, stopping the illegal use and storage of fireworks and other dangerous materials, and addressing violence and vandalism.

The operations included patrols and checks in areas where young people gather, such as churches, public spaces, and parks. In total, 230 checks were carried out throughout the night and morning.

Crisis management centers were activated across all provinces.

Nicosia:

Unknown individuals set fire to seven large green trash bins and a blue recycling container at three different locations.

In the Latsia district, young people threw stones at police officers who were trying to protect a fire truck.

There were also incidents of fireworks being thrown and fires being set.

Early in the morning, three people were arrested for stealing tires from a tire repair shop.

At an open parking lot near Acropolis, 11 bottles containing flammable substances and three gas canisters were discovered.

Limassol:

In various areas, police found places where flammable materials had been stored and fires had started, which were put out by the fire department.

Notably, 20 tires were found near the river, and in the Kato Polemidia area, unknown individuals set fire to wood on the road, causing nearby trees to catch fire. Tires also caught fire near St. Nicholas Church.

Larnaca:

In the Livadia area, young people threw fireworks and firecrackers at passing cars. In the Lambrenia area, an 18-year-old man was arrested for throwing fireworks; he had 40 fireworks in his possession. Later, police discovered another 42 factory-made fireworks on him, and he was officially charged.

Paphos:

At the entrance to Paphos, a vehicle was stopped, and 55 factory-made fireworks and four pyrotechnic devices were found inside. The 45-year-old driver was arrested for questioning. Additionally, a 40-year-old man in the Paphos area sustained serious injuries from a firecracker in a churchyard and was treated with first aid at the hospital.