FAMAGUSTA GAZETTE — A Palestinian flag attached to balloons was flown near the AlfaMega Stadium during a football match between Maccabi Tel Aviv and Pafos FC, drawing police response and political backlash.
Three individuals were taken to a police station and charged in connection with displaying political banners near a sports venue. They were later released. The flag, reportedly tied to heart-shaped balloons, appeared during the match, which was attended by President Nikos Christodoulides.
Video footage quickly spread on social media, prompting a sharp reaction from opposition party AKEL.
The party condemned the police action, calling it a violation of free expression, and questioned why the Palestinian flag was treated as a prohibited symbol.
AKEL pointed to the presence of Israeli flags in the stadium and demanded an explanation from Justice Minister Marios Hartsiotis. It also called for the charges to be dropped.