Cyprus Parliament sees protests over poaching and activism

Protests erupted outside the Cyprus House of Representatives as the parliamentary environment committee met to discuss the impact of environmental activism and poaching regulations. The demonstrations featured opposing groups: animal rights activists and members of the Animal Party, alongside organized hunters and supporters of the ELAM party.

Kyriakos Kyriakou, President of the Animal Party, expressed concern that the committee was overstepping its bounds, stating, “The Environment Committee is neither a judicial authority, nor the Police, nor a state security service.” He emphasized that activists have a right to work against illegal poaching. Conversely, hunters accused activists of harassment and illegal surveillance using drones on private property.

Inside the committee, intense political friction occurred between the AKEL and ELAM parties regarding a proposed bill to regulate poaching. The discussions come amid debates over the legality of activist actions and the effectiveness of current measures to curb illegal hunting.