Protest Outside Parliament for Right to Protest

Ten organizations held a protest outside the Parliament on Thursday, advocating for the inalienable right to protest. The mobilization was triggered by the government's proposed bill on public gatherings and parades.

The organizers, supported by PEO, expressed concerns about a global trend of weakening the right to protest and increasing police violence. They cited instances of intimidation and arbitrary arrests of protesters in Cyprus.

Christos Tombazos, from PEO, questioned the need to regulate the right to demonstrate, while also referring to the recent events in Chloraka and Limassol. He emphasized that the bill targets those who protest for the poor, refugees, and other groups.

The organizers called on Members of Parliament to vote against the bill and demand explanations from the Minister of Justice and the Chief of Police regarding the actions of police members during demonstrations.

Source: CNA