Members of Parliament from the Movement of Ecologists – Citizens’ Cooperation, Stavros Papadouris and Charalampos Theopemptou, have filed a topic for discussion in the Parliamentary Committee on Human Rights on October 3.
The topic, titled “The constitutional human right to free expression in light of the recent events of the arrest of two Cypriot citizens during the military parade of October 1 2024,” aims to address concerns over civil liberties.
The MPs’ action follows the events of October 1, when two activists – journalist Giorgos Tattis and Turkish Cypriot politician Oz Karahan – were arrested during Cyprus’s Independence Day celebrations.
The activists had unfurled a banner reading “REPUBLIC OF CYPRUS: THE ONLY SOLUTION,” in defence of the Republic of Cyprus and to condemn proposals leading to the island’s partition.
The Ecologists’ statement notes that “the arrest of the activists raises serious questions about the respect for citizens’ constitutional rights and the right to free expression.”
The MPs emphasise the need to investigate the strict stance of the police and the validity of charges related to threats to public order.
The discussion in the relevant parliamentary committee is expected to examine the legality of the police actions and provide answers to issues arising from the suppression of activist actions.
