Hunters Protest in Cyprus Over the Weekend

A large group of hunters staged a protest in Cyprus over the weekend, bringing traffic to a standstill before President Nikos Christodoulides agreed to meet with them.

The demonstration began on Sunday at noon along Skarinou Highway and lasted for about 90 minutes. At one point, protesters threatened to completely block the Nicosia–Limassol highway indefinitely, prompting authorities to shut down all four lanes until the demonstration ended.

Approximately 5,000 hunters participated, insisting they would not leave until the president personally addressed their concerns. In response, President Christodoulides called Nicholas Prodromou, head of the Hunters’ Association, and agreed to meet with representatives on Monday at the Presidential Palace.

The hunters are protesting poor management of hunting grounds, restrictions on dog training, and the government's failure to tackle poaching. They are demanding stricter penalties for illegal hunting and an immediate review of current regulations.

According to organizers, the hunting community in Cyprus has been struggling with these issues for years.