World News | Cyprus Motorcyclists Hold Protest Ride over Police Curbs
Get latest articles and stories on World at LatestLY. Thousands of motorcyclists staged simultaneous rides through cities and towns in Cyprus on Friday to protest a police decree that they claim infringes on their constitutional right to unfettered mobility.
Nicosia, Aug 21 (AP) Thousands of motorcyclists staged simultaneous rides through cities and towns in Cyprus on Friday to protest a police decree that they claim infringes on their constitutional right to unfettered mobility.
Motorcyclists gathered in Nicosia, the capital of the Mediterranean island nation, and four other towns before setting off.
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Riders are upset over a decree that bans large-displacement motorcycles from some city streets during the predawn hours on certain days this month. Police say the measure is needed to combat noise pollution that has gotten out of hand because of illegally modified motorcycles.
Law enforcement officials say the chief of police can issue such a decree if it's “in the public interest." Police eased some restrictions after talks with riders but motorcycle representatives insist on their complete lifting.
Residents near busy streets have applauded the police move, which they said was long overdue but motorcyclists insist it's collective punishment for the misdeeds of a few scofflaws.
Cyprus Motorcycle Federation President Zannetos Koumashi told The Associated Press motorcyclists had been willing to work with police to catch scofflaws but now the decree has upset many and made cooperation more difficult. (AP)
(The above story is verified and authored by Press Trust of India (PTI) staff. PTI, India’s premier news agency, employs more than 400 journalists and 500 stringers to cover almost every district and small town in India.. The views appearing in the above post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY)