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Angry protesters call on Christofias to resign
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Several thousand gather outside the Presidential Palace for a fourth night of protest (Photo: Patrick Dewhurst) 
Photo: Christos Theodorides 
'You don't even know how to say sorry' (Photo: Christos Theodorides) 
Several thousand gather outside the Presidential Palace for a fourth night of protest (Photo: Patrick Dewhurst) THOUSANDS of people from across the island converged on the Presidential Palace last night in the largest protest yet against the government.
Chanting “Christofias, die!” and “Police, turn your shields to face the Presidential Palace” the crowd – numbering well over 10,000 – again called on the President and members of his government to step down.
“From Kellaki to the cell” was another chant directed at the President.
It was by all accounts the largest non-partisan gathering on record.
The demonstration centred on a makeshift platform where anyone with an opinion stepped up to the microphone to voice their anger.
Short speeches were made by popular actors. The mood mirrored frustration with Monday’s tragedy itself, but also with President Christofias’ address to the nation yesterday, which most judged to be inadequate.
“It’s one thing to die for your country and another for your country to kill you,” said one speaker.
Police presence was discreet, with officers confined behind the gates of the Presidential Palace, their riot gear placed on the ground beside them. Unlike Tuesday night’s protest – which saw clashes between a small group of youths and police responding with heavy use of teargas – no disturbances occurred.
Banners read: “Christofias, you can’t even apologize to us”; “Criminals!”; and “Banana Republic.”
Cardboard mock-ups of bananas drove the point home.
Another banner read: “We don’t want to burn the Presidential Palace. We just want your punishment.”
“I am 22 years old. I never believed in politicians, and now I’m proved right,” said one young man.
And a young girl commented: “At school, they teach us critical thinking. Christofias, you can’t take the critique.”
