Interior Ministry orders demolition of illegal structures in Protaras

The Cypriot Ministry of Interior has ordered the immediate demolition of an unauthorized massage business and auxiliary structures located on a state-owned coastal plot in Protaras. The site, which was leased to the Paralimni-Deryneia municipality for an annual fee of 5,000 euros for use exclusively as a public parking area, had been hosting illegal commercial activity for approximately three years. Interior Minister Constantinos Ioannou issued a 24-hour directive for the removal of the structures, which included a pergola, a kiosk, and a storage unit situated within a beach protection zone. The enforcement follows a prolonged administrative dispute regarding jurisdictional authority between local and regional bodies, with authorities noting that no permits for permanent construction or commercial use were ever granted. Following the ministerial order, the Famagusta District Organization (EOA) proceeded with the demolition in the presence of police. Reports indicate that the government is also reviewing potential corruption and negligence regarding how the structures were allowed to operate for years. Legal experts and ministry officials confirmed that the unauthorized nature of the structures allowed for immediate removal without the need for a court order.