The Ministry of Agriculture is facing calls to reopen an investigation into the alleged killing of a sea turtle, after environmentalists branded the initial police response a “public nuisance” charge that fails to reflect the gravity of the acts.
Friends of the Earth Cyprus sent an official letter to the Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment challenging the findings of state services and demanding the criminal prosecution of four individuals seen in “brutal” audiovisual footage.
The controversy stems from a video released last week which documented the mistreatment of the protected animal on a beach in Chlorakas. While the Veterinary Services concluded the turtle was already dead at the time and the Fisheries Department praised the local Community Council for following “prescribed procedures,” activists argue these assessments contradict witness accounts. Based on a detailed analysis of the footage, the NGO alleges that the individuals involved directly caused the animal’s death rather than providing necessary care, an act that carries severe penalties under Cypriot environmental law.
The Police have so far only charged the suspects with a minor public nuisance offence before releasing them, a move that has sparked widespread public anger. In their letter to the Minister, Friends of the Earth requested a full re-examination of the evidence and new interrogations, citing a lack of transparency in how the relevant legislation is being applied.
The group has also formally requested environmental information regarding the state’s handling of the case to prevent similar incidents in the future.
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