Konstantinos Zanettos: Letter on immigration challenges in Ayia Napa

The Municipal Councilor of Ayia Napa, Konstantinos Zanettos, requested in a letter to ensure public order and security due to the increased flow and settlement of political asylum seekers from third countries in the Municipality of Ayia Napa.

The Municipal Councilor of Ayia Napa Konstantinos Zanettos has issued a letter on the concerns as well as proposed solutions to combat insecurity and ensure Public Order in Ayia Napa today 06 April 2023 after a series of meetings and exchange of views with active citizens and councilors of the Municipality of Ayia Napa Go.

In the said letter addressed to the Mayor and Municipal Council of Ayia Napa, while notification had been made to the relevant Ministries, State bodies and the Office of the President of the Republic of Cyprus, the increased incidents of theft, obscene behavior, sexual harassment in recent days were listed and attempted rape.

These incidents, as mentioned by Mr. Zanettou, cause an environment of insecurity for both citizens and visitors. Whereas if immediate measures such as those proposed are not taken, the risk of a disastrous bad reputation for our Tourist product is at a high level.

Based on the above, Mr. Zanettou has proposed the following:

• Establishment of a "Citizen's Protection and Safety" Committee
• Creation of a special team for the Prevention and Strengthening of Public Order with the powers of a special Police.
• Creation of a 24-hour citizen hotline.
• Implementation of closed circuit surveillance (CCTV) installation.
• Increase in police force and strengthen presence within municipal boundaries on a year-round basis.
• Increase lighting where and where needed.

It should be noted that the letter was sent to the Mayor and Municipal Council of Ayia Napa and shared with the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Minister of the Interior, Minister of Justice and Public Order, Deputy Minister of Tourism, Deputy Minister of Social Welfare, Chief of Police of Cyprus, Commissioner for Personal Data, Commissioner for Administration and Human Rights Protection, Directorate of Population and Immigration Records Department, Social Welfare Services, Famagusta Police Directorate, Ayia Napa Police Station Directorate and Famagusta Provincial Administration.