The justice ministry on Monday dismissed claims that a proposed law on public gatherings and parades would turn Cyprus into a “police state,” calling such statements unfounded and misleading.

In a statement responding to recent media reports, online discussions, and public comments, the ministry provided clarifications on the provisions of the Public Gatherings and Parades Law of 2025. It insisted that the draft legislation does not introduce a permit system for protests, contrary to claims circulating in public debate.

“The law does not require organisers to obtain approval from the police for a gathering of 20 or more people,” the statement said.
“Any suggestion that this amounts to a restriction of rights is entirely inaccurate.”

According to the ministry, Article 4 of the bill allows organisers to notify local authorities and the police about planned gatherings if they wish to do so, but this is not mandatory.

The ministry emphasised that the purpose of the legislation is to ensure that public demonstrations and parades are conducted peacefully and safely, without disruptions or risks to participants or public property. It added that the bill aims to protect organisers, ensuring their events can take place in an orderly manner.

The statement also stressed that the proposed law fully aligns with constitutional rights to peaceful assembly and is in compliance with rulings of the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR).

The government’s response comes after critics accused it of attempting to tighten control over public protests, with some commentators using terms such as “dictatorship” and “authoritarianism” to describe the bill. However, the ministry dismissed such accusations, insisting that the new rules would simply provide a clearer framework for organising public gatherings without unnecessary restrictions.