Residents protest as legal battle over Mitsero asphalt plant continues

On September 24, 2026, residents from eight communities—Mitsero, Agrokipia, Malounta, Arediou, Agiou Ioanni, Kato Moni, Orounta, and Meniko—gathered outside the Supreme Court in Nicosia. The protest, organized by the initiative group "Communities in Action," aimed to demand the immediate suspension of construction at a planned asphalt plant site currently being developed by Prometheas Asphalt Limited. Residents argue that ongoing leveling work on the site creates a fait accompli that undermines their legal efforts to halt the project.

The communities, which have been active in their opposition since 2021, contend that the region is already overburdened by industrial pollution. They are calling for independent scientific evaluations and a thorough assessment of the cumulative environmental and health impacts before any further progress is allowed. While the Administrative Court previously rejected an attempt to freeze the building permit, the communities have appealed the decision to the Supreme Court.

Following a hearing on the request for an interim injunction, the Supreme Court reserved its decision. The court has scheduled the next session to hear the appeal on its merits for October 5, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. Until then, the legal and public standoff continues, with local representatives expressing deep distrust toward state authorities and the Legal Service.