Cyprus Times

Paralympic Committee: Apology Must Be Sincere, No Shifting of Responsibility

Published January 28, 2026, 13:13
Paralympic Committee: Apology Must Be Sincere, No Shifting of Responsibility

The Cypriot Paralympic Committee responded to the apology of MEP Fydias Panayiotou for his controversial comments, emphasizing that the apology must be sincere and not accompanied by insinuations, trade-offs, or political interpretations. The Committee accused Mr. Panayiotou of attempting to link its announcement to polls and timing, diverting attention from the substance of the issue. Furthermore, it stressed that shifting the responsibility to a general social neglect of people with disabilities is unacceptable. The Committee clarified that respect and equality cannot result from “brainstorming” or communication experiments, but require responsible speech and practical support. It announced that it would take specific action towards the relevant European institutions.