European Parliament
Marios Matsakis (ALDE ). –
Mr President, freedom of expression and peaceful demonstration is a fundamental part of the
acquis
. Unfortunately, in a large area bordering my home town of Limassol, this freedom of expression is not permitted, because the
acquis
is not applicable there. That area has been under British military occupation since colonial times, and although it is part of Cyprus and is inhabited by Cypriot civilians, Britain made sure that it was left outside the EU. Therefore the European
acquis
does not apply there.
Last Saturday – Freedom Day for Cyprus – a Cypriot civilian attempted a peaceful demonstration against the presence of British bases in Cyprus. He did not disturb anybody and did not trespass onto military property. Within minutes he was attacked by British soldiers pointing submachine guns at him and threatening to shoot him. He was detained on a public road against his will at gunpoint until military police and the local press arrived. He was released when it was realised that he was a Member of Parliament – this Parliament! How long will this House tolerate having British troops occupying part of another Member State and subjecting its citizens to such harassment?

