The Board of the Cyprus Journalists Union expressed satisfaction and welcomed the swift response of both the International and European Federations of Journalists, to which it belongs, regarding the proposed amendment to the criminal code in the Cypriot Parliament. According to the Union, this amendment "poses enormous risks to press freedom and freedom of expression."

The Union noted that it had warned Parliament about severe international backlash. The contentious amendment, which seeks to criminalize the dissemination of false news, threats, and insults, must be withdrawn before it further tarnishes Cyprus's reputation.

>>Proposed Amendment Poses Serious Threat to Press Freedom in Cyprus<<

In a joint statement, the International and European Federations of Journalists stated, "In Cyprus, an amendment to the criminal code is being promoted that introduces prison sentences of up to five years for anyone accused of spreading 'false news' or writing 'offensive' comments. The IFJ and EFJ join their member, the Cyprus Journalists Union, in condemning the criminalization of fake news and the alarming impact this could have on press freedom."

In September, the Cypriot Parliament is expected to present a legislative amendment regarding the criminalization of spreading false news, threats, insults, and the dissemination of obscene photos and images on the Internet. The amendment proposes converting a series of civil offenses into criminal ones, with penalties including imprisonment for up to five years. The Cyprus Journalists Union noted that this is the second attempt by some MPs to promote such an amendment.

While recognizing the need to combat misinformation, the IFJ, EFJ, and the Cyprus Journalists Union call on authorities to follow the recommendations of the Council of Europe, the European Union, and the OECD. These organizations advise governments against adopting legal provisions that criminalize misinformation due to the significant negative impact on press freedom and freedom of speech.

They also believe that the best antidote to misinformation is promoting a healthy information ecosystem that supports media literacy, quality information, journalistic ethics, independent and pluralistic media, decent working conditions for journalists, and a culture of transparency. Finally, they strongly urge the Cypriot Legislature to comply with European legal standards and withdraw this proposed amendment to the criminal code.