Hunter arrested after two French environmentalists hit by pellets near Famagusta
Two 32-year-old Frenchmen were wounded by shotgun pellets in a hunting area on Wednesday morning; police detained a 35-year-old hunter later that day.
Two French nationals working with environmental groups were struck by shotgun pellets on Wednesday morning in a hunting area of the Famagusta district, as reported by Cyprus Mail. The men, both 32, were hurt at around 7am and later presented themselves at Famagusta General Hospital.
Medical staff found a scrape on the head of one and a shallow injury to the right shoulder of the other. A 35-year-old hunter was taken into custody on a court warrant shortly before 8pm the same day and is being questioned.
Investigators believe the shot came from the detainee, though the circumstances are still being established. Game and Fauna Service personnel were present at the site at the time, together with the two Frenchmen and a 31-year-old man; officers from the Famagusta CID and the Criminological Investigation Service examined the location and gathered evidence.
What it means for residents
The case puts a spotlight on safety in the island's hunting zones, where walkers, researchers and wildlife volunteers can be out during the season while shot is flying. Until the investigation concludes, the practical advice is caution rather than panic.
- Hunting days: check the calendar for your district before heading into countryside areas where guns are permitted, especially at first light.
- Visibility: bright clothing and staying on marked trails reduce the risk of being mistaken for game.
- Reporting: any incident or unsafe shooting should go to police immediately, with the location and time noted.
This text is written from the source article and is not a translation of it.
