24 Jun 2019 | 10:04 AM UTC
Cyprus: State funeral for former President Christofias June 25
State funeral for former President Demetris Christofias to be held in Nicosia on June 25; public holiday declared
Event
A state funeral will be held in Nicosia for former President Demetris Christofias on Tuesday, June 25. A public visitation will take place from 09:00 to 15:00 (local time) at the PEO building before the funeral, which will be held at the Holy Temple of Sofia in Strovolos district at 17:00. Localized disruptions, crowded conditions, and heightened security measures are likely near all funeral events. Government officials declared the day a public holiday and associated government and business disruptions are expected.
Context
Demetris Christofias served as president of Cyprus from 2008 to 2013. He was also general secretary of the Progressive Party of Working People (AKEL), the country's communist party. He passed away on Friday, June 21.
Advice
Individuals in Cyprus are advised to respect local customs, refrain from discussing political topics in public or on social media, anticipate government and business disruptions, heightened security measures, and transportation disruptions near funeral events, and avoid public gatherings as a precaution.
