Pressure is mounting on the government amid calls for the resignation of the justice minister and the police chief, following the fatal shooting of a 24-year-old Pakistani man during a police operation in Potamia.

Political parties, including Akel and Disy, have sharply criticised the handling of the case, with protests expected to escalate throughout the day.

The incident, which occurred on January 6, resulted in the death of the man under controversial circumstances. Initially reported with conflicting details, it has now emerged that the victim was shot by police officers. Opposition parties have seized on the situation, accusing the government of failing to ensure accountability and public safety.

Aristos Damianou, head of Akel’s justice department and member of the party’s political bureau, strongly condemned the Justice Minister Marios Hartsiotis’ stance.

“It is unacceptable that, under peculiar circumstances, a 24-year-old was found dead, half-naked, on the same day as Epiphany in Nicosia’s Acropolis area. After five days of contradictory statements, it emerged that he was killed by police gunfire in Potamia,” Damianou stated.

Damianou further criticised the justice minister for dismissing calls for accountability.

“The minister responded to party concerns, including those raised by Akel, by saying that ‘crimes will happen, and there will be some unfortunate incidents, but our goals remain unchanged.’ This approach trivialises public safety,” he added.

Responding to journalists, Damianou called for both the minister and the police chief to step down, describing it as a necessary act of political responsibility.

“Their resignation would demonstrate political sensitivity and institutional accountability, which are currently absent,” he concluded.

While the justice minister has remained firm in his position, commenting on CyBC that “the primary focus remains achieving our security goals,” further remarks from the government spokesman are anticipated later today.

Disy was also highly critical and issued a statement that highlighted the importance of a thorough investigation.
“The immediate and in-depth investigation of this unprecedented case of the 24-year-old’s death is a demand of the entire society. Every passing hour without answers severely undermines the public’s sense of security,” the party said.

Disy stressed that it is essential to fully resolve the case and address internal issues plaguing the police force.

“The government must take responsibility and do what is necessary. It is the government’s duty, not the opposition’s, to shed light on this matter,” the statement read.

The party further criticised any attempts to use past incidents as a justification for current inadequacies.

“The invocation of past events cannot excuse incompetence or serve as an alibi for inertia and further delays. Citizens expect more actions and fewer words,” Disy concluded.

Meanwhile, Elam has issued a statement defending the actions of the police, countering criticism.

“The police are tasked with tirelessly safeguarding every lawful citizen of the Republic,” the statement read.

Elam claimed that the officers acted appropriately under dangerous conditions in the buffer zone to prevent illegal trafficking activities.

“Given the facts available, there was no attempt to cover up the incident. The police fulfilled their duty in a perilous situation, and yet certain circles are attempting to vilify them,” it added.

Adding to the pressure, the political party Volt has demanded a full investigation into the incident.
“The justice minister and the police chief must provide clear and credible answers to the public’s pressing questions instead of evading responsibility,” a statement from Volt read.

The party also expressed concerns about the appointment of a criminal investigator by the attorney-general, questioning the impartiality of the investigation.

“Since the investigator is from the law office, concerns about independence and objectivity remain valid,” Volt noted.

As public outrage grows, calls for transparency and justice are intensifying. Civil society groups are also expected to weigh in, with protests being organised in key cities. The unfolding developments are likely to dominate the political agenda, with demands for concrete action from the government.