A guide for governments that want to censor social criticism
What is the Public Assemblies Act of 2024?
It is a proposed law that seeks to criminalise the right to protest. If it passes, the government will be able to decide what we can and cannot protest about, under the pretext of security. In this way, anything that is not in the interest of the rulers to come out (e.g. the Thanasis case, state corruption, environmental crimes) can be silenced by the order of the chief of police.
What does it involve?
- 7 days notice before the protest – failure to do so may result in dissolution and a fine of €2,000 to all participants.
- The Police is granted the power to ban all gatherings for 1 month.
- Ability to ban or impose restrictions on any protest the Police wants for the sake of the “public interest”.
- A criminal offence and a €10,000 fine for organisers of gatherings that the Police declares illegal.
- 2 years imprisonment and/or €4,000 fine for face covering.
What can I do?
The proposal is currently undergoing public consultation. You can participate either by sending your own comments or by submitting the ones we have prepared.
- Download the pdf with our position on the bil here.
- Send an email to gzantira@mjpo.gov.cy with our proposals (or your own).
- Stay tuned for upcoming actions and protests.
Deadline: 05 June