Dialogos

AKEL: Underworld Flourishes in Larnaca, Government Watches

Published January 19, 2026, 06:02
AKEL: Underworld Flourishes in Larnaca, Government Watches

AKEL has expressed strong concerns about the increase in crime in Larnaca, following a shooting incident in a central area of the city, near a police station. The party accuses the government of being unable to effectively address organized crime, leaving citizens feeling insecure and unprotected. Ezekia Papaiwannou, a representative of AKEL, calls on the President of the Republic and the Minister of Justice to take decisive action, emphasizing that the legal framework is adequate but lacks political will. EDEK also states that the rise in crime is due to the inability of law enforcement agencies. The Minister of Justice, Kostas Fytiris, acknowledged the existence of a crisis and proposed cooperation between the state, municipalities, and civil society to address organized crime. The Mayor of Larnaca, Andreas Vyras, pledged support through information and joint campaigns, but requested a specific action plan and accountability. The President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides, described the incidents as “unacceptable” and announced drastic measures, including the immediate arrest and deportation of foreigners involved in criminal activities and their inclusion on exclusion lists to prevent their re-entry into Cyprus. However, he stated that he does not have a complete picture of the involvement of Cypriot citizens.