Police Issue Warrants for 19 People After Riots in Limassol

Police have issued arrest warrants for 19 individuals following large-scale riots in Limassol. The violent clashes involved a group of young people in hoodies who were marking 100 days until their mandatory military service.

Following the unrest in the Ayia Fyla area, 13 people were arrested and charged with disturbing public order, arson, vandalism, and assaulting police officers.

A Limassol district court ordered that two 16-year-olds, eight 17-year-olds, two 18-year-olds, and one 19-year-old remain in custody until Sunday evening. They were later formally charged and released.

Speaking to the Cyprus News Agency, police spokesperson Kyriaki Lambrianidou confirmed that authorities are actively searching for 19 more suspects believed to have been involved in the riots.

According to police reports, the incident occurred around 9:30 p.m. on Friday near a bakery. Approximately 200 masked individuals, armed with bats and stones, clashed with police, set several vehicles on fire, and caused significant damage. A stolen motorcycle was also recovered at the scene.

Meanwhile, parents of eight of the arrested teenagers claim their children were not involved in the riots and were in the area by coincidence.

President Nikos Christodoulides condemned the violence, calling the unrest "unacceptable."