Protesters gathered outside the Law Office yesterday demanding the resignation of Deputy Attorney General Savvas Angelides following a European Court of Human Rights ruling that condemned the Republic’s handling of a rape case involving a politician.
The demonstration occurred after Angelides told a press conference that his potential resignation would constitute “a threat to justice,” emphasising he would not step down as he is not a political figure.
The protests follow the July 3 ECHR ruling that found Cyprus violated the human rights of a woman who accused a DISY Larnaca town councillor of rape. The case stems from an alleged incident in January 2011, reported to police in April 2021. The accusation became public on social media in May 2021, prompting the man to withdraw from DISY’s electoral list before parliamentary elections.
The ECHR awarded the complainant €20,000 in damages and €15,470 in legal costs after determining Cyprus breached articles 3, 8, and 14 of the European Convention on Human Rights. The court found serious flaws in the criminal investigation and criticised authorities for ignoring critical factors including the woman’s age at the time of the alleged rape and her emotional connection to the accused.
This represents the second ECHR condemnation of Cyprus over rape case handling in 2025, following a February ruling involving a British woman who alleged gang rape in Ayia Napa. The rulings highlight what experts describe as systemic issues in Cyprus’s response to sexual violence cases.
Yesterday’s demonstration
Demonstrators carried banners reading “respect for victims’ rights, end re-victimisation,” “rape culture wears suits and power,” and “corrupt government, corrupt prosecutors and judges leave now.” They demanded an end to sexism and reform of the justice system.
Women’s organisations read aloud the complainant’s letter during the protest, with participants calling for accountability over what they termed failed and problematic handling of sexual violence cases.
The demonstration was organised by 17 organisations including POGO, PEO Women Workers’ Office, Socialist Women’s Movement, Women’s Movement of Ecologists, EKA Agricultural Women’s Section, YPATIA Equality Promotion Foundation, Cyprus Women’s Lobby, Mediterranean Institute for Gender Studies, Cyprus Association of Single-Parent Families and Friends, EDON, Far Right Watch, Aristeri Pteriga, afoa, Labour Democracy, KISA Movement for Equality Support Anti-racism, and Alliance Against the Far Right, Fascism and Racism.
Demands
POGO General Secretary Skevi Koukouma addressed Angelides directly, stating: “We are here Mr Angelides because we are ashamed of your actions.” She criticised what she termed the “arrogance” with which Angelides addressed the Cypriot people.
Protesters questioned why Angelides refused to provide the case file to the ECHR, suggesting this raised suspicions of cover-up. They demanded immediate investigation into all cases involving sexual violence against women that were “cut or covered up.”
The organisations called for institutional accountability and reform, including alignment of consent definitions in legislation with Istanbul Convention provisions and GREVIO recommendations. They demanded training for all involved officials including police, investigators, prosecutors, and judges.
Systemic issues
Speakers emphasised that recent ECHR rulings represent systematic confirmation of serious structural problems in what they termed a “sexist, inadequate and hostile” justice system toward victims.
The groups cited both the current case and the previous Ayia Napa case involving a British teenager as evidence of systematic failure by investigative, judicial, and prosecutorial authorities to protect victims and conduct proper investigations.
They accused authorities of acting on sexist stereotypes and systematic re-victimisation of women who report sexual violence, perpetuating a culture of rape and impunity for perpetrators.
Demands
The coalition published a memorandum demanding respect for victims’ rights, implementation of new protocols for handling gender-based violence cases, and legislative changes. They called for an end to silence and cover-ups, demanding institutional and political accountability.
Protesters noted that campaigns calling victims to speak out are insufficient without legislation, policies, and practices that victims can trust and that make them feel safe.
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