Viras: "We do not accept instructions from anyone regarding anti-Semitic slogans"

The Mayor of Larnaca and President of the Union of Cyprus Municipalities, Andreas Viras, responded to criticism of the circular regarding anti-Semitic slogans on walls. Mr. Viras stated that municipalities intervene when they detect slogans that incite violence or contain hate speech, without needing external instructions.

In a public statement, Mr. Viras emphasized that Local Government is governed by Cypriot and European legislation, as well as the Council of Europe's Charter of Local Self-Government, in which administrative autonomy is a fundamental principle. "We do not accept instructions from third parties, and even more so from any foreign country," he stated.

He also expressed his sadness that public discussion is turning to wall slogans, while there are thousands of dead and crimes against humanity in progress nearby.

Mr. Viras's position will be included in an official letter to the Ministry of Interior.