Calamos Supports Greece
GreekReporter.comGreek NewsCyprus3,000 Cypriots Pay Tribute to Victims of Naval Base Explosion

3,000 Cypriots Pay Tribute to Victims of Naval Base Explosion


Cypriots believe that a lack of professionalism cost the lives of 12 people and injured another 62 after the explosion of 98 barrels of confiscated Iranian explosives at the naval base. Thousands of citizens gathered on the evening of July 12th, at the Eletheria Square in Nicosia to pay tribute to the 12 men. According to police, more than 3,000 people lit candles to demonstrate peacefully. They were protesting against the government’s handling of the situation and demand justice for those responsible for the blast.

A minute of silence was held after the names of the 12 men were read out. Later on, protesters sang the national anthem and walked to the Presidential Palace, where riot police were present to stop any demonstrators from entering the Palace gate.

Later, a  few angry protesters threw stones at police officers who resorted to using tear gas. Some elderly people, women and children who were present were slightly injured in the scuffle. However, a police spokesman denounced the violence, saying that there were  about 300 troublemakers who exploited the peaceful demonstration and only 20 people were arrested outside the Presidential Palace.

Caption: A woman lights a candle outside the Presidential Palace, during a vigil for those killed during a huge explosion that tore through a Cypriot National Guard naval base, in Nicosia.

See all the latest news from Greece and the world at Greekreporter.com. Contact our newsroom to report an update or send your story, photos and videos. Follow GR on Google News and subscribe here to our daily email!



Related Posts