A consortium of international media freedom organisations on Monday condemned a proposed law in Cyprus that would criminalise “fake news”, warning it could stifle independent journalism and encourage self-censorship.
The Media Freedom Rapid Response (MFRR) said the amendment, which imposes harsh penalties for spreading disinformation, risks being used as a tool for political control rather than enhancing information quality.
Under the proposed law, Cyprus’ Attorney General would have the power to determine what constitutes defamation, reclassifying it from a civil to a criminal offence.
“Evidence shows that laws against disinformation have repeatedly been exploited by repressive authorities to influence public opinion on what is considered to be true or false, offensive, dangerous or seditious,” the MFRR said in a statement.
The group, which includes the International Press Institute and the European Federation of Journalists, called on the Cypriot Parliament to reconsider the amendments and align them with international human rights standards.
It also criticised similar measures approved in the occupied north on May 20, which have broadened the definition of “malicious intent” to criminalise activities such as publishing “false news” and insulting state officials.
The MFRR urged Cypriot authorities to adopt non-repressive mechanisms to enhance the media landscape, such as reinforcing media ethics and fostering media pluralism.
Cyprus’ Deputy Attorney General Savvas Angelides had previously defended the proposal, citing a need to balance freedom of speech with responsibility.
The European Union, Council of Europe, and United Nations have consistently opposed the criminalisation of fake news, the MFRR noted.
Signed:
- International Press Institute (IPI)
- ARTICLE 19 Europe
- The European Federation of Journalists (EFJ)
- Free Press Unlimited (FPU)
- OBC Transeuropa (OBCT)
- The European Centre for Press and Media Freedom (ECPMF)
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