Five people were arrested on Monday morning following a prostest against measures to contain the Coronavirus pandemic and COVID-19 vaccinations that escalated in Cyprus on Sunday.
An angry mob attacked the premises of the Cypriot television station Sigma.
Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades wrote on Twitter of a “blow against democracy.’’
The attack on the TV station took place in the evening during a live broadcast of a news show.
Cars belonging to the station’s staff were set on fire outside the media building, and demonstrators threw stones and incendiary devices, Cypriot media reported
At least 12 police officers were injured, two of them seriously.
Around 2,000 demonstrators had initially marched in front of the presidential palace in Nicosia on Sunday afternoon, demanding Anastasiades’ resignation.
They criticize the measures to contain the virus and the partial compulsory vaccination that now applies in Cyprus.
Employees of the care and health sector must be vaccinated; otherwise they will be release from their work without pay.
To visit restaurants or the authorities, proof of vaccination or a rapid test must be presented. Citizens must pay for the test themselves. (dpa/NAN)
