Hunters from all over Cyprus met in Nicosia on Saturday to demonstrate outside the presidential palace, demanding stricter measures against poaching.
The protestors submitted a memorandum with their demands and called on the state to take immediate action, warning that if they received no response by February 1 they would cut off traffic on main routes.
Head of the hunters’ movement Nicolas Prodromou spoke to the demonstrators, calling them to join forces to promote their demands.
Regarding poachers, the hunters are demanding austere penalties, such as prison sentences and revoking driving and firearm licences, the latter for life.
They are also calling for the head of the Game Fund to be removed because “it is unimaginable for the same person to remain at that post for over 24 years.”
The hunters want the police poaching squad to be strengthened with staff and equipment and legislation to bring order to the development of photovoltaic parks.
“We do not accept commitments or promises. If our demands are not met by February 1, then we – all these wonderful people – will move to the frontline and paralyse every main point,” Prodromou said.
The protestors, which included fishermen, also complained about the cost of issuing licences.
A representative of the ‘Outraged Hunters’ group said a total of €130 million had been paid in licences over the past 24 years and demanded to know how the money was used.
