Police protest management at Rizoelia questioned after document disclosure

On April 23, 2026, livestock farmers held a protest at the Rizoelia roundabout, causing over 12 hours of traffic disruption across Cyprus. A letter dated April 22, 2026, sent by the Larnaca Police Director on behalf of the Chief of Police, explicitly prohibited the blocking of roads and the abandonment of vehicles on traffic lanes. Despite these instructions, protesters blocked the highway lanes and parked vehicles, resulting in significant congestion that trapped the President of the Republic of Cyprus while en route to a formal dinner. While the police officially described the operation as successful, the disclosed document highlights a discrepancy between police directives and the actual events on the ground. Reports suggest that police accompanied protesters to the site, despite prior commitments to prevent such closures. The incident led to dissatisfaction from the Minister of Justice regarding the outcome of the protest management.