Filenews 13 October 2021
The problems created by the uncontrolled throwing of fireworks on autistic children, animals, the elderly, as well as the connection of this practice with the underworld and drug trafficking, were revealed in today's session of the House Standing Committee on the Environment.
In his statements after the meeting, the President of the Committee, President of the Movement of Ecologists – Citizens' Cooperation Charalambos Theopemptou said that every time there is an explosion of fireworks, there is uproar among the residents of the area, and problems are created for pets such as dogs, but also for autistic children who have a violent reaction and find it difficult to understand what is happening.
He also said that very serious issues were heard, such as the involvement of the underworld in the matter, illegal ways in which fireworks are imported hidden in containers or planes, their transportation from the occupied territories and the ways they are sold by order from the phone and the internet.
Mr Theopemptou expressed his regret, since, as he said, the Commission was finished and no solution to the problem has been found.
"We have reached the breaking point and this issue of fireworks has been organised very well," he said.
He added that for this reason they decided with the Police and the Mining Agency, which is the competent department, to consult, to find ways, to organize their actions and to re-examine the issue of the Environment Committee next January to see the measures taken, the planning made and the results.
DISY MP Prodromos Alambritis said that the Police must apply the legislation strictly and controlled, since there have been complaints about illegal marketing, the involvement of the underworld, and even illegal purchase from the occupied territories.
But he said the Police told them that it is difficult to prove when he receives complaints, who threw the firework, and even to link the firework thrown to the action.
He added that the Police should inform the public that it is illegal to throw fireworks and about the danger of the phenomenon.
AKEL MP Nikos Kettiros said that the complaints they had that the fireworks are connected to the underworld and drugs were confirmed by the director of the Medals Service, who complained that the person in charge of fireworks at the Medals Service had received threats and resigned. If the Police itself, he added, does not apply the laws of the state because we must have demands from the citizens of the state.
He noted that the legislation on explosives was amended and passed from last year, penalties have increased, but the phenomenon has intensified to the point where it has become uncontrollable. He said that if the situation is not corrected they will consider the possibility of completely abolishing the throwing of fireworks. He spoke of problems in animals, autistic children and the elderly, and as he said, citizens have lost sleep.
He added that as mentioned to them the throwing of fireworks is done to give a signal to the delivery of drugs, while it has been said that some of the fireworks even come in airplanes and there are responsibilities to those who allow the transport of these explosives inside planes, which is very dangerous. He also said that many fires have broken out from the use of fireworks, and there have been amputations.
