Politis

Criminalizing Hate Speech Based on Age and Disability in Cyprus

Published February 25, 2026, 17:18
Criminalizing Hate Speech Based on Age and Disability in Cyprus

The Cypriot Parliament is considering a bill to establish a criminal offense for hate speech based on age or disability. The bill, submitted by Members of Parliament, aims to protect vulnerable groups and aligns with European directives and the practice of other EU countries. The discussion in the Parliamentary Committee on Legal Affairs has been successfully completed, and the bill is expected to be put to a vote in the plenary session. Supporters of the bill emphasize that equality must apply to everyone, regardless of age or disability, while pointing out that many European countries have already enacted similar legislation. The penalties provided for in the bill will be proportionate to those applicable to other types of hate speech.