in-cyprus 4 July 2025 - by Stelios Marathovouniotis
The parliament has postponed debate and voting on legislation governing public gatherings and parades until 10 July, following condemnation from politicians and civil society organisations who argue the bill represents an authoritarian clampdown on democratic freedoms.
The postponement allows the House Legal Affairs Committee to re-examine specific provisions next week, after crowds gathered in opposition to the bill outside the Parliament building for a second consecutive week during today’s planned discussion.
Earlier today, a coalition of 36 trade unions, human rights groups, and environmental organisations issued a joint statement condemning the Public Gatherings and Parades Bill, describing it as part of “a global trend of weakening of this right, increasing police violence and repression, and an effort to silence any speech opposing those in power.”
Also, the newfound Alma Movement – Citizens for Cyprus separately expressed opposition, stating it remains unconvinced the proposed restrictions on peaceful assembly rights are “necessary in a democratic society, as required by the Constitution and the European Convention on Human Rights.”
In today’s discussion at the Parliament, House Legal Affairs Committee Chairman and DISY MP Nikos Tornaritis defended the legislation during today’s plenary session, stating the bill’s purpose is “modernising an outdated, colonial-type law” adapted for contemporary times. “I personally do not see any violation of human rights whatsoever,” Tornaritis said, responding to criticism from independent MP Andreas Themistocleous.
Themistocleous argued the bill’s provisions are “anything but modernising” and resemble “undemocratic regimes,” adding that a one-week postponement cannot adequately address the legislation’s fundamental problems.
The proposed legislation requires organisers to submit written notification to local authorities and police at least seven days before planned gatherings, including contact details, purpose, timing, location, and potential impacts on traffic and public services. The Police Chief may impose restrictions considering factors including estimated participant numbers, security risks, and likelihood of serious crimes.
Critics argue the framework inadequately addresses spontaneous demonstrations. “The bill does not provide a comprehensive legal framework for a form of spontaneous demonstration that is essentially the epitome of democratic expression,” the 36 organisations stated.
The coalition alleges systematic police misconduct in Cyprus, citing “acts of intimidation, unjustified arrests, and violence against protesters” and claiming “an attempt to militarise the police is underway, with officers even carrying firearms during marches.”
Alma criticises the seven-day notification requirement and questions the government’s timing, noting that unlike Greece, which passed similar legislation in 2020 due to frequent demonstrations, “something similar does not happen in our country.”
The movement referenced recent incidents where police failed to intervene, including 2023 racist demonstrations in Chloraka and Limassol against migrants, and a recent highway closure by protesting hunters, arguing non-intervention was due to “lack of political will and democratic responsibility” rather than an inadequate legal framework.
According to the bill, police can dissolve gatherings if they cease to be peaceful, including instances involving violence or use of explosives, smoke bombs, flares, fireworks, illegal weapons, or dangerous objects. If gatherings do not disperse within reasonable time following dissolution orders, police may take “absolutely necessary measures” to disperse crowds, though the legislation does not specify what constitutes necessary measures.
The bill also creates offences for inciting violence and refusing “without reasonable cause” to remove items concealing a person’s face or identity.
According to the House Legal Affairs Committee report, the legislation aims to “establish new legislation for securing the exercise of the right to assemble peacefully as guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution through constitutionally permissible regulations and the abolition of existing relevant legislation.”