TonParticipants in the anti-corona measures and vaccination demonstrations attacked the headquarters of a Cyprus TV station and set fire to several cars. According to the police, after protesting the introduction of the Corona “safety pass” and the so-called “compulsory vaccination”, about 2500 demonstrators moved to the headquarters of Sigma TV on Sunday night, setting fire to cars and damaging buildings.
Several damaged vehicles with station signs were seen at the scene, and one of them was completely burned. Several windows on the seat of the transmitter were broken. According to Sigma TV, the police in the building are protecting employees. There were no reports of arrests or injuries initially.
President Anastasiad criticizes violence
The person in charge of the station condemned the “cowardly attack.” “Our headquarters was attacked by mobs who threw firecrackers and damaged our car,” the broadcaster said.
President Nicos Anastasiades also criticized violence as “a blow to democracy.” He said the government “will not succumb to threats and extortion.” The authorities will also “severely crack down” on all illegal activities. Later that night, the situation calmed down. However, several police officers continued to guard the building.
Sigma is believed to be critical of opponents of vaccination and has been attacked in the past during demonstrations of corona requirements. The Cyprus government earlier this week introduced a special corona vaccination card, which is a requirement for entry into supermarkets, shopping malls, restaurants and other shops. Corona vaccination has also been extended to 16- and 17-year-old adolescents.
The number of infections in this Mediterranean country has recently increased, and since Sunday, the Robert Koch Institute has listed it as a high-risk area. Due to classification, Cypriot holidaymakers must undergo a ten-day quarantine after returning. If the coronavirus test is negative, they may end early after five days.
