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The way protests and rallies are conducted in Cyprus is set to change drastically under the proposed Public Assemblies and Parades Law of 2025, which was submitted on Monday to the House Legal Affairs Committee.
According to an article written by Kathimerini's Hector Georgiou, the bill will include the enforcement of stricter rules and harsher penalties.
Organizers Required to Register Gatherings
Under the bill, every protest or rally must have a designated organizer who will be responsible for notifying both the local authorities and the police. This notification must be submitted electronically or in paper form at least seven days in advance and must include details such as:
- The organizer’s name and contact information
- The purpose of the gathering
- The location and route (if it involves a march)
- Whether vehicles, banners, or equipment will be used
The organizer will also be accountable for ensuring the event remains peaceful and must cooperate with authorities throughout.
In cases of spontaneous protests, where prior notification is not possible, the Chief of Police will assign an officer to liaise with the demonstrators and ensure the rally proceeds without disruption.
When Can a Protest Be Dispersed?
The Chief of Police will have the authority to halt a gathering if:
- It turns violent
- It violates safety restrictions
- It poses a threat to public security
- It risks causing bodily harm or property damage
However, authorities must first issue a reasonable warning before dispersing the crowd.
New Responsibilities for the Police
Police will be required to publicly announce upcoming protests and parades on their website, including any related traffic disruptions. An officer will be assigned to each gathering, acting as a direct point of contact with the organizer. They will also have the power to issue verbal or written instructions to participants to ensure public order.
Restrictions and Penalties
The bill grants police the power to impose restrictions on protests, including:
- The time, duration, or location
- Allowing only partial use of public roads or spaces
- Restricting entry into certain areas
- Ensuring protests do not obstruct traffic or emergency services
Those who incite violence at a gathering face up to three years in prison or a €4,000 fine. Additionally, anyone who refuses to remove a face covering (such as a hood) when asked by police may be sentenced to two years in prison or a €3,000 fine.
Political Reactions and Public Concerns
During the committee discussion, Justice Ministry official Fedra Gregoriou emphasized that the bill modernizes outdated legislation dating back to British rule. She noted that the government had consulted various organizations and received around 120 comments on the draft law. However, AKEL MP Aristos Damianou criticized the process, saying that political parties were not consulted.
Police officials, represented by Assistant Chief of Operations Ioannis Georgiou, expressed full support for the bill. Meanwhile, Michael Sokratous, director of the Union of Municipalities, stated that municipalities only seek information on planned protests and do not wish to interfere further.
Committee chairman DISY MP Nikos Tornaritis assured that the new law does not aim to create a "police state."
Protests Against the Protest Law
As the bill was being debated inside Parliament, citizens gathered outside to protest against it. Holding banners reading "No to the Protest Bill" and "The Right to Protest is Inalienable," they voiced their opposition to what they see as an unjust restriction on public demonstrations.
