Shocking incident in Cyprus: men abused a sea turtle

A public outcry erupted in Cyprus after a video appeared showing several men abusing a sea turtle on the coast in the Chlorakas area (Paphos district).

The footage shows the animal being thrown onto rocks and kicked, despite the fact that sea turtles are strictly protected by law and considered a vulnerable species. The video quickly spread on social media and sparked outrage both among local residents and beyond the island.

Following the publication of the footage, Cyprus police and environmental protection services launched an investigation. Authorities stated that the actions captured on video could qualify as animal cruelty, which carries severe fines and criminal liability.

Environmental organizations reminded that Cyprus is one of the key places in the Mediterranean where sea turtles lay their eggs, and any such incidents cause direct damage to conservation efforts. It is also emphasized that human interference can lead to the animal’s death even without visible injuries.

Civil activists are urging the authorities not to limit themselves to an inspection, but to bring the case to court to prevent such incidents from recurring.