Thousands join anti-corruption protest in Cyprus

Demonstrators gathered in Cyprus' capital Nicosia Saturday to protest what they say is the endemic corruption and the authoritarian ways of the east Mediterranean island nation's governing elite.

They marched to register their anger over alleged corruption involving the country's now defunct programme granting passports to wealthy investors.

The protest comes exactly a week after police received strong criticism for allegedly using disproportionate force to disperse protesters demonstrating against corruption.

A probe is underway to determine whether police overstepped the mark by using a water cannon, stun grenades and pepper spray to disperse the crowd.

The violence resulted in several protesters suffering minor injuries, including one woman who had to have surgery on her eye after receiving a blast from the water canon.

Police said they acted in line with a government ban on public gatherings as part of restrictions aimed at preventing the spread of COVID-19 and accused protesters of pelting police with rocks and other projectiles.

(Image Credit: AP)