Unvaxed citizens seek lifting of decree restricting social life

Some 100 unvaccinated citizens have appealed to the courts, asking for the suspension of the recent health ministry decision to bar their access to places such as restaurants, cafes and entertainment venues, as well as weddings, christenings and sporting events.

According to the lawyer of the group, Yiannos Georgiades, “the ministry’s decision severely restricts the social life of his clients and a large part of the population in general, who exercised their right not to be vaccinated.”

“The drastic nature of these measures has made vaccination compulsory, contrary to current legislation. It is clear that the distinction between the vaccinated and the unvaccinated was not introduced to protect public health but to force people to be vaccinated,” he argued.

“The measures have no scientific or legal basis and are not in line with common sense. They are manifestly disproportionate and ineffective and violate fundamental human rights,” Georgiades said.

The lawyer also went on to explain that the recent restrictive measures are in stark contrast with Article 28 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and not in line with the recent relevant resolutions of the Council of Europe.

“It is unacceptable for the state to require citizens to undergo a Covid-19 test every 48 hours and to consider a negative result as valid proof that one does not carry the virus and is therefore allowed to circulate freely,” Georgiades continued.

The lawyer explained that his and his clients’ point is supported by a similar US court order issued on November 30, which suspended mandatory vaccination for healthcare workers.

As he explained, the criteria for issuing such orders in Cyprus are identical to those in the US.

Georgiades also cited a recent decision of the Commissioner for Administration and Human Rights in Cyprus, regarding the compulsory vaccination imposed on students and teachers, who ruled that the decision was illegal.