Activists demonstrate to demand removal of British bases

Hundreds of activists gathered in the centre of Nicosia on Saturday to peacefully protest the presence of the British bases in Akrotiri and Dhekelia amid the ongoing war against Iran.

“The use of British Bases by Western troops has turned both the bases themselves and the surrounding areas as well as the country’s critical infrastructure into a military target,” political group, and one of the organisers, Afoa said.

The protest march stretched from the Pasydy union building to the Presidential Palace in Strovolos.

Those taking part carried banners reading ‘Cyprus is not your launchpad’ and ‘British Bases out’. A die in performance was also staged as part of the event, outside the presidential palace.

Afoa accused the bases of utilising a narrative of protection for promotion purposes, which intensified the “already existing militarisation” of social and political life on the island.

“As the regional war spreads to many countries, the role of Cyprus in the imperialist plans deepens, putting the inhabitants and people of Cyprus as a whole on a dangerous and destructive path,” it said.

The group demanded the government “withdraw support for the imperialists”, emphasising Cyprus must not be involved in the war and called for the full abolition of the bases.

“We support all the voices and political forces here, in our wider region, in Europe and globally that resist war and promote cooperation between peoples and peace,” the group said, “we do not accept Cyprus to be a base of war.”

The march started at the Pasydy building in the centre of Nicosia and headed to the presidential palace. Among others it was also supported by BDS Cyprus, Cyprus Palestine Solidarity Action Far Right Watch CY, Genocide Free Cyprus, Queer Collective and United for Palestine.