Ahead of Saturday’s planned protest march against corruption and state authoritarianism, police warned on Friday that a ban on mass gatherings remains in force.

Citing the health ministry’s latest decree on January 28, police reiterated that any mass gatherings including protests, marches, concerts and festivals in public or private spaces are forbidden.

The ban was initially announced in November following a Limassol protest against coronavirus measures in which around 1,000 people took part, with many failing to abide by health protocols.

“Any people found to be in violation of the relevant decrees or to take actions that may incite others to violate the decrees or to commit offences will be subject to the consequences of the law,” the force explained.

The announcement followed the decision of non-government organisations to hold a three-hour protest on Saturday at 4pm starting from Kolokasi park.

Organisers called on citizens to act against the totalitarianism of the state concerning the poor pandemic management which has at numerous times violated basic human rights, including the right to demonstrate.

Government corruption is also targeted in the protest, as recent revelations concerning the citizenship by investment scheme suggest state officials profited from the programme.

The organisers have also expressed their solidarity for refugees, migrants and asylum seekers.

They said the protest will take place in accordance with social distancing and protective measures against Covid-19. “We will be wearing our masks and keeping our distance,” the organisers said.