NICOSIA, Cyprus (AP) — Several hundred marchers have forced their way into the grounds of the Cypriot presidential palace in Nicosia, during a protest over a fatal blast at a naval base that killed 12.
Protesters were stopped by riot police at an inner gate about 100 meters from the palace. Minor scuffles broke out between a few stone-throwing youths and police who fired tear gas.
It was unclear whether President Dimitris Christofias was in the building.
The invasion followed a peaceful march late Tuesday by some 10,000 people shouting slogans and carrying placards reading “Negligence is criminal.”
Monday’s massive explosion of seized gunpowder wrecked a key power plant and forced the resignations of the defense minister and top military chief. Authorities have ruled out sabotage.
