Residents protest relocation of asphalt plant to Mitsero

On Sunday morning, residents from eight communities in the Mitsero region held a protest along the Agios Ioannis–Kato Moni road to demand an immediate halt to the construction of a relocated asphalt plant. The facility is being moved from Tseri, where its operations were previously suspended due to environmental and public health concerns. The initiative group “Communities in Action” led the demonstration, emphasizing that the relocation threatens the health of approximately 15,000 residents and compromises the safety of children in the area.

The eight directly affected communities include Mitsero, Agrokipia, Malounta, Arediou, Agios Ioannis, Kato Moni, Orounta, and Meniko. Protesters argued that the region is already overburdened by industrial activity and accused the state of indifference toward their welfare. Local community leaders, including Agrokipia leader Sotiris Kyriakou, described the protest as a successful peaceful demonstration against the lack of proper industrial planning.

Legal proceedings are currently underway, with representatives of the affected communities scheduled to appear before the Supreme Court on Monday. The court is expected to rule on a request for a suspension order regarding the ongoing construction works. Further actions under consideration by the initiative group include a potential appeal to the European Court of Justice and meetings with the President of the Republic.