Determination and political will needed to stamp out illegal activity and clash with interests

Statement by AKEL C.C. Spokesperson Stefanos Stefanou

AKEL C.C. Press Office, 11 June 2020, Nicosia

The incident with the operation of a beach bar in Protaras, provocatively violating for days the coronavirus safety measures has justifiably triggered the universal indignation of the people. On our part, we would like to point out the following:

Firstly. These specific businessmen are putting profits above people’s health, ignoring in an unforgivably provocative and arrogant way public health and what society has gone through in recent months to confront the pandemic.

Secondly. The state showed negligence and indecision in stamping out a defiance of the law, despite the fact that it had the legal tools at its disposal. If the relevant authorities do not have the will to stamp out illegal activity and to clash with interests and such behaviors, then there will be no result, no matter how much legislation will be made stricter. We therefore need drastic legislation, but also determination to apply it.

Thirdly. It is neither logical, nor fair to punish the whole of society or all owners of recreation centres because of the behavior of the businessmen of this particular leisure centre. The gradual lifting of restrictions with regards the way such centres operate is imperative for socio-economic reasons. If the state enforces the law decisively and effectively for those who break the law, neither revisions, nor setbacks will be needed.