Parliamentarians are investigating increasing threats against journalists and citizens aimed at suppressing freedom of expression and public criticism, during a House Human Rights Committee session examining the right to free speech without fear of reprisals.
The examination was initiated by MP Irene Charalambidou following a recent complaint from a citizen who received threats from a police officer and former member of the Cypriot Intelligence Service (CIS).
Security service member threatens citizen with violent language
Complainant Nikoletta Tsikkini told the committee her rights were violated when threatened by a CIS member. “We are dealing with the protection of my reputation, honour and safety,” Tsikkini said, adding that citizens have rights to protect themselves regarding potential prosecution over publicising details of those who threaten them.
Her lawyer, Alekos Argyrou, said when such acts come from officials with authority and access to sensitive data, they constitute serious interference with fundamental rights and potential abuse of power. “They constitute threats and acquire the character of intimidation and suppression of freedom of expression,” Argyrou stated.
The lawyer noted that using CIS membership as a weapon in personal disputes violates legal obligations and undermines citizen trust in institutions, raising issues of equality and intimidation.
The CIS member involved has been removed from the service and transferred to another department, according to Police Human Resources Director Ioannis Chimonas. However, uncertainty remains over whether the CIS will proceed with disciplinary investigation, as it operates under internal regulations unknown to police.
Organised trolling campaigns target media through fake accounts
Committee chair Charalambidou said she has received more than five complaints from well-known journalists who faced threats over their articles and reporting. Specific threats included “You in the ground and me in prison” directed at one journalist, and “Shut up so I don’t have to expose your dirty laundry” from a former CIS member to a citizen.
Cyprus Journalists’ Union President Giorgos Frangos said the profession is served when journalists can exercise criticism. The union has issued numerous statements and reported incidents to international organisations, including cases of death threats against journalists and instances where reporters were assaulted or abused over their reporting.
Fragos expressed concern about pending legislation on journalist protection and fake news laws. “One in three journalists has received warnings or deterrence for reporting. Sixty-two percent experience job insecurity, meaning they don’t touch on topics that might leave them without work,” he highlighted as a threat to free expression and democracy.
MPs report coordinated attacks using fake social media profiles
Several MPs expressed suspicions that many threats are organised attacks using fake social media accounts created on social networking platforms. “It’s the first time fake websites are created and journalists receive threats for practising their profession,” Charalambidou said.
She noted receiving complaints from very well-known journalists about organised attacks from similar individuals using identical language. “The President of the Republic is the first teacher, it’s documented what he was sending to his communications consultant,” she added, referencing leaked messages.
MP Giorgos Koukoumas noted abuse of power to silence freedom of expression has intensified in recent years. “We had a Minister who sent police to a home over satire. We had protesters arrested for a banner, in one case even 20 days later. We have journalists being threatened,” he said.
Koukoumas referenced leaked pre-election messages from the current President encouraging creation of fake internet accounts. Cyprus drops 10 points annually in the Reporters Without Borders survey, he noted.
MP Christos Senekkis referenced threats from a relative of a political figure, including “You in the ground and me in prison” to a journalist and “Fire and axe to the Turkish worshippers” in another case. However, Senekis said revealing details of the former CIS member who made threats served no purpose, emphasising the need to protect both free expression and personal data.
MP Alexandra Attalides said free expression is being undermined by organised trolls creating harassment and citizen insecurity about expressing themselves freely. She announced plans to submit an amendment regarding the CIS.
MP Rita Superman stressed the need to protect citizens’ right to free expression, whilst MP Demetris Demetriou proposed the issue be examined by the Institutions Committee through a joint closed session.
Read more:
