The Independent Authority for Investigation of Complaints Against the Police has started an investigation to determine whether criminal or disciplinary offences were committed by police officers during the crackdown of a protest outside the Foreign Ministry on 2 October 2025, following citizen complaints.
The authority, known by its Greek acronym AADIPA, announced on Monday that it has received multiple complaints regarding the incidents and decided to proceed with criminal and disciplinary investigation.
The authority will appoint two criminal investigators to examine submitted allegations after securing consent from the Attorney General of the Republic, as required by legislation.
Criminal and disciplinary investigation to examine police conduct
The 2 October demonstration took place outside the Foreign Ministry in response to Cyprus government policy regarding vessels participating in a flotilla attempting to break Israel’s naval blockade of Gaza. The protest resulted in police attacking and pepper spraying the demonstrators.
The investigation follows parliamentary debate on Monday during which opposition parliamentarian Giorgos Koukoumas referenced the incidents whilst discussing new protest legislation before the House Human Rights Committee. Koukoumas stated he witnessed events and offered to serve as an eyewitness if police wished to call him.
“The demonstrators never blocked the road, as they claim,” Koukoumas told the committee, prompting reactions from Justice Minister Marios Hartsiotis and other parliamentarians.
Deputy Police Chief Panicos Stavrou addressed the committee, stating that police did not attempt to dissolve the protest. “Our members tried to move citizens to the pavement. When there was no compliance, they pushed them with appropriate force to the pavement. No attempt was made to dissolve the protest,” Stavrou said.
Attorney General consent required before investigators appointed
AADIPA operates as an independent body established to investigate allegations of police misconduct. The authority examines complaints to determine whether officers violated criminal law or internal disciplinary regulations during their duties.
The requirement for Attorney General consent before appointing criminal investigators reflects the legal framework governing investigations of potential criminal offences by law enforcement officers. Once consent is secured, the appointed investigators will examine evidence, interview witnesses, and review documentation related to the 2 October incidents.
The investigation occurs as the parliament examines protest legislation passed in July 2025. The Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe issued a 32-page opinion in September raising concerns about the law, including vague terminology, organiser responsibilities, and police intervention provisions.
AADIPA’s investigation will proceed independently of political debate surrounding the legislation. The authority’s findings will determine whether individual officers acted within legal parameters or violated criminal or disciplinary standards during the demonstration.
Cyprus maintains legal frameworks separating police operational decisions from judicial oversight of potential misconduct. AADIPA serves as the mechanism for independent review when citizens allege improper police conduct.
Read more:
