Cyprus - July 2025

On 10 July, Parliament passed a new law tightening the rules on public protests and assemblies, including the introduction of notification procedures and expansion of police powers. Under the new law, organisers of gatherings with 20 or more participants are expected to notify authorities at least seven days in advance. The legislation also grants police expanded authority to modify protest routes or disperse assemblies they deem a threat to public order. Civil society groups, human rights organisations, and opposition parties have criticised the measure, arguing that it restricts the right to peaceful assembly. The Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe’s (OSCE) Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) will launch a formal review to evaluate the law and issue a legal opinion. 

Sources: Cyprus Mail, Philenews (1), Philenews (2)