By: ELTC
Recent Reforms in Cyprus’s Criminal Law: Addressing Misinformation, Financial Crimes, and Societal Changes
Cyprus has recently taken significant steps to strengthen its criminal law framework, addressing emerging challenges such as misinformation, financial crimes, and evolving societal concerns. These developments aim to modernise the legal system while ensuring alignment with international standards. Below, we explore the most notable changes and initiatives:
Proposed Criminalization of ‘Fake News’
In 2024, the Cypriot government proposed amendments to the Criminal Code to combat the spread of misinformation, often referred to as ‘fake news’. The draft legislation sought to introduce penalties of up to one year of imprisonment and/or a fine of €3,000 for individuals found guilty of disseminating false information. This proposal emerged as part of efforts to safeguard public trust and counter the damaging effects of misinformation in an increasingly digital world.
However, the draft law faced substantial criticism from media organisations and free speech advocates, who raised concerns about potential infringements on freedom of expression. The OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) issued an urgent opinion, cautioning that the proposed amendments could conflict with international human rights standards if not carefully crafted. In response, the government paused the legislative process to engage in consultations with media stakeholders and legal experts, aiming to strike a balance between addressing misinformation and preserving press freedom (OSCE ODIHR).
Expansion of Public Scandal Offenses in Criminal Code
On 31 May 2024, the Cypriot Parliament amended the Criminal Code (Cap. 154) to broaden the scope of offenses under the category of “public scandal”. This amendment reflects the legislature’s intent to modernise the legal framework and address contemporary societal concerns. The changes aim to enhance the law’s responsiveness to behaviours that disrupt public order or offend public morality. While the exact details of the amendment remain under discussion, it underscores a broader effort to align the criminal code with evolving social norms.
Strengthening Measures Against Financial Crimes
Cyprus has also intensified its efforts to combat financial crimes, particularly money laundering and sanctions evasion. In late 2024, the government announced an ambitious collaboration with the United States, introducing a 21-week training programme for Cypriot law enforcement agencies. The programme focuses on advanced financial investigation techniques, forensic accounting, and the use of technology in detecting financial crimes. Training is being conducted both locally and internationally, including at the International Law Enforcement Academy in Budapest. This initiative builds on prior collaborations with the U.S. Department of Justice and the FBI, highlighting Cyprus’s commitment to improving its enforcement capabilities in this area.
Additionally, Cyprus has enhanced its intelligence-sharing efforts with the United Kingdom. Under a new agreement, British agencies specialising in sanctions compliance are providing intelligence support to the Cypriot Ministry of Finance. This collaboration aims to prevent the circumvention of international sanctions and disrupt illicit financial flows, further strengthening Cyprus’s role in maintaining financial integrity.
