A highly controversial bill regulating public gatherings and demonstrations in Cyprus is heading to a parliamentary vote, sparking heated debate over civil rights and police powers. The draft legislation, proposed by the Ministry of Justice and Public Order, seeks to impose very strict conditions on organizing protests and parades — conditions that are hard to find in most EU member states.

Under the proposed law, protest organizers would be required to inform both local authorities and the Chief of Police in writing or electronically. They would have to provide details about the protest’s purpose, planned route, expected attendance, and any items or equipment intended for use. According to the new draft law, notification of authorities must be made at least seven days in advance. Furthermore, organizers must explain how the demonstration could affect businesses, traffic, or public services, as well as disclose any possible impact on third-party rights. 

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For spontaneous protests — widely considered a crucial form of democratic expression — the bill empowers police to appoint an officer to impose restrictions or demand that participants designate an organizer on the spot. Critics argue this provision seriously undermines the freedom to gather in response to sudden events, such as demonstrations following incidents of violence or injustice.

The draft law also grants the Chief of Police broad authority to impose restrictions or disperse a protest if it is deemed likely to become violent or threaten public order. Factors cited include prior protest behavior, the potential for clashes with other gatherings, or perceived threats to public morals or safety. Police could also order participants to remove face coverings if there is “reasonable suspicion” they intend to commit an offense.

Violations of these restrictions could carry penalties of up to three years in prison or fines of €4,000.

Civil society organizations and opposition parties have raised grave concerns, warning that the bill represents a serious erosion of fundamental rights. A coalition of 35 groups issued a joint statement urging parliament to reject the bill, describing it as a tool of repression and a threat to democracy. They argue the proposed law would stifle critical voices and effectively criminalize dissent.

The controversy has been further inflamed by reports of excessive force and arbitrary arrests by police during recent protests, fueling fears that the bill could legitimize such practices. Some protest organizers argue it is impossible to fully control or predict slogans and banners at a demonstration, and that the law’s requirements would place an unmanageable burden on them.

Although the bill was scheduled for a vote today, its fate remains uncertain. Several MPs are abroad attending an OSCE meeting, and opposition parties have indicated they will seek amendments or complete rejection. AKEL, for instance, has labeled the bill “draconian” and plans to propose changes, while the Green Party and VOLT MP Alexandra Attalidou have also pledged to vote against it.

Other parties, including the Government-backing ones DIKO, EDEK, and DIPA, are still deliberating.

As parliament prepares to debate the measure, demonstrators are planning to gather at 18:00 this afternoon outside the House of Representatives in Nicosia to express their opposition, demanding the protection of the right to protest without what they view as excessive police interference.

The protest is supported by numerous organizations, including Far Right Watch Cyprus, the Cyprus Ecological Movement, BDS Cyprus, Civil Society Advocates, Cypology, Generation for Change, Mission Solidarity, Organisation for Positive Urbanism, Accept LGBTI Cyprus, Queer Collective, Queerwave, Save Akamas, UFP Cyprus, Urban Gorillas, YEU Cyprus, Small Bear (Mikri Arktos), NEDA, the Initiative for the Preservation of Natural Coasts, the Artists and Art Theorists Association – Fytorio, the Support Centre for NGOs, Action Network for Housing and the City, Koulou|Makka, afoa etc.