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Public anger over Cyprus’ mishandling of a rape case, recently condemned by the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR), boiled over Monday as protestors gathered outside the Legal Service, calling for major reforms and the resignation of Assistant Attorney General Savvas Angelides.
The protest was sparked by the ECHR’s ruling that Cyprus violated the rights of a woman known as N.T., whose rape case was ignored by authorities for years. The court found that the state failed to properly investigate her claims, triggering a wave of public outcry over how victims of sexual violence are treated by the justice system.
Sixteen organizations and several political figures took part in the demonstration, including the parties AKEL, Volt, and the Ecologists. Notable figures included Skevi Koukouma of the POGO women’s movement, Volt co-chair Andromache Sophocleous, independent MP Alexandra Attalidou, AKEL MPs George Loukaidis and Christos Christofias, and former MP George Perdikis.
“We want institutions that protect, not institutions that undermine,” chanted the crowd, reflecting frustration with what many view as a culture of impunity and silence around sexual violence cases in Cyprus.
Protestors accused Angelides of failing to do his job, especially after his remarks during a recent press conference that many felt downplayed the seriousness of the case and the ECHR ruling. Some speakers went further, saying he was unfit for office.
Representatives from women’s groups and civil society read out speeches calling for immediate reforms. These included POGO Secretary General Skevi Koukouma, Marina Koukou of the PEO Women’s Office, Roula Mavronikola of the Socialist Women’s Movement, and Monica Pieridou of the Women’s Environmental Movement.
A particularly emotional moment came when an open letter written by N.T. herself was read out loud. Her message underscored the trauma she endured, not just from the assault, but from years of being dismissed by the very system meant to protect her.
The demands voiced during the protest included,
- The resignation of Assistant Attorney General Savvas Angelides
- Full accountability for officials who mishandled the case
- Institutional reform and “cleansing” within the Legal Service
- Proper training for police and judicial officers
- Stronger protection of victims’ rights
- Legislative and administrative changes in line with the Istanbul Convention
- An end to the culture of silence and cover-ups
The protest was organized by a broad coalition of feminist groups, anti-racism advocates, youth organizations, and unions.
The message from protestors was unified and direct: zero tolerance for injustice, cover-ups, and the continued failure of institutions to protect victims.
