A LOCAL DISPUTE SPIRALS OUT OF CONTROL
A LOCAL DISPUTE SPIRALS OUT OF CONTROL IN THE VILLAGE OF PLATANISTASA
The normally quiet mountain village of Platanistasa, within the Nicosia district, recently found itself at the centre of a local feud between a priest and a community leader. As a result, the disagreements have spiralled out of control, leading to further disputes, arrests and court proceedings.
A SERIES OF EXCESSIVE NOISE COMPLAINTS
Police began to investigate excessive noise complaints from several residents after the priest was found ringing his church bell for extended periods of time. The priest is alleged to have used loudspeakers to amplify the sound of the church bell without the necessary permit. Several complaints were lodged by residents of the village claiming that the excessive bell ringing had caused a significant nuisance. The priest is also alleged to have used amplified sound equipment without a permit, and it is alleged that he did this to irritate the village’s community leader, following a dispute.
TRADITIONALLY PART OF DAILY LIFE IN CYPRUS
While church bells are traditionally part of daily life in Cypriot villages, several residents complained that the noise in this case far exceeded normal practice. Evidence of recordings of each incident of excessive bell ringing at volume for unusually long times was presented to the police, who eventually placed the priest under arrest.
A COURT APPEARANCE
The village priest has since appeared before a Nicosia court facing a total of 20 charges. The charges include a complaint against him for noise pollution, public nuisance, and using a loudspeaker without a permit. Several other complaints include holding services at erratic times and not managing proper access to his church.
ONGOING LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
Prosecutors claim that Father Georgios misused his clerical privileges. They claim that he allegedly used the church bell of the Archangel Michael Church, not for worship but for personal retaliation. Father Georgios, in response, has refused to enter a plea. Two police officers, who handled the original complaint, along with some residents, are expected to appear as witnesses for the prosecution. Father Georgios remains in place at his church while legal proceedings are ongoing.
