Protest against corona measures: protesters attack television stations in Cyprus

Participants in a demonstration against corona measures and vaccinations attacked the headquarters of a television station in Cyprus and set several vehicles on fire.

According to the police, after a protest against the introduction of a corona “safe pass” and against alleged “compulsory vaccinations”, around 2500 demonstrators moved to the headquarters of the Sigma TV station on Sunday evening, set cars on fire and damaged the building.

Several damaged vehicles with the station's logo were seen on site, one of which was completely burned out.

Several window panes on the transmitter seat were broken.

According to Sigma TV, police officers in the building were protecting employees.

There were initially no reports of arrests or injuries.

President Anastasiades criticizes the violence

Those responsible for the station condemned the "cowardly attack".

"Our headquarters was attacked by a mob who threw firecrackers and damaged our cars," said the broadcaster.

President Nicos Anastasiades also criticized the violence as a "blow to democracy".

The government will "not give in to threats and blackmail," he said.

The authorities would also "crack down on" all violations of the law.

The situation calmed down later that evening.

However, several police officers continued to guard the building complex.

Sigma is considered to be critical of opponents of vaccination and had already been attacked in the past at demos against corona requirements.

The Cypriot government had introduced a special corona vaccination card earlier this week, which is a requirement for entering supermarkets, shopping centers, restaurants and other shops.

The corona vaccinations were also extended to the 16- and 17-year-olds.

The number of infections in the Mediterranean country had recently increased, and the Robert Koch Institute has classified it as a high incidence area since Sunday. Due to the classification, Cyprus vacationers have to go into a ten-day quarantine after their return, which they can end prematurely after five days with a negative corona test.