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Debate over a contentious bill regulating public gatherings was postponed Thursday after lawmakers opted to send it back to the Legal Affairs Committee for further review. The bill, initially scheduled for a vote in Parliament’s Plenary Session, is now expected to return to the floor on July 10.
The legislation aims to overhaul what lawmakers call an “outdated, colonial-era law” governing demonstrations and parades. Nikos Tornaritis, chairman of the Legal Affairs Committee and a DISY MP, defended the measure, stating, “I personally do not see any violation of human rights.”
The statement came in response to criticism from Independent MP Andreas Themistocleous, who said the bill “evoke(s) undemocratic regimes” rather than modernizing the law. He argued a one-week delay would not be enough to correct its deficiencies.
According to the committee’s report, the bill seeks to align public assembly rights with Article 21 of the Constitution while introducing regulations deemed constitutionally acceptable. Key provisions include non-mandatory notification of authorities for demonstrations, police authority to impose restrictions or disperse gatherings, and penalties for inciting violence or concealing identity without "reasonable cause."
Outside Parliament, approximately 120 demonstrators gathered in protest, urging lawmakers to reject the bill. Organized in part by the movement Alma, the protest remained peaceful, with participants chanting slogans in defense of the right to assemble and against perceived overreach tied to anti-terrorism measures.
Andreas Riris, representing Alma, said MPs from the left-wing AKEL party informed protesters of the decision to postpone the vote.
