Dialogos

Police Demand Action Over Organized Crime, Protest Planned

Published January 21, 2026, 07:03
Police Demand Action Over Organized Crime, Protest Planned

Police officers from the ISOTITA union are planning a protest rally outside the Parliament at 9 am, wearing fluorescent vests and hats, to express their dissatisfaction with the recent decision by the Chief of Police to change working hours. The discussion on the reorganization of the police force will take place at the Legal Affairs Committee of the Parliament at 10:20. The president of the police branch of ISOTITA, Nikos Loizidis, questioned the purpose of the Chief of Police's press conference, arguing that the goal was to divert attention from organized crime. He emphasized the need to protect citizens and called on President Christodoulides to convene a broad meeting with the leaders of political parties. Mr. Loizidis stated that another 5-6 serious incidents of organized crime have occurred, which have not been made public to avoid showing the authorities' inability. He argued that the government is losing to the underworld 5-0 and that the Cypriot Republic has not created departments to deal with extortion, as is the case in Europe. He pointed out that citizens are threatened, but those in charge are not taking the necessary measures and that the police should be for the people and not the other way around. He called on political superiors to take responsibility and request operational plans. He stressed that the ruling parties must get on the same page regarding the restructuring of the police, otherwise they will become victims of crime.