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A draft bill in Cyprus that would authorize surveillance of journalists and their associates has drawn strong criticism from press freedom groups, legal experts and media advocates, who warn that it could threaten the country’s democratic principles.Â
Prepared by the Interior Ministry as part of Cyprus’ effort to align with the European Media Freedom Act (EMFA), the legislation would allow authorities to seek court orders permitting the search of journalists’ homes, offices, and electronic devices. The draft also opens the door to the use of spyware and extends potential surveillance to colleagues, friends, and other contacts.
Under the proposed law, the head of the secret service, police chief, or “any other investigator or authorized official” could request the attorney general to obtain a court order requiring journalists to reveal their sources.
Critics argue the bill distorts the intent of the EMFA and could be used to suppress critical reporting.
“Instead of introducing regulations to protect freedom of expression and freedom of the press, the draft is mainly limited to derogations and their criminalization,” said Christophoros Christophorou, a media expert with the Council of Europe.
The Cyprus Bar Association called the bill unconstitutional, warning it grants disproportionate surveillance powers to the state. “While for all other citizens the interception of their communication will not be permitted but for five offences, it will be permitted for journalists, who should have an increased level of protection,” the association said.
Giorgos Frangos, president of the Cyprus Journalists Union, said the legislation undermines investigative journalism and penalizes reporters for protecting sources. “This cannot be accepted,” he said.
A key concern among critics is the omission of language from the EMFA emphasizing that any restrictions on media freedom must be justified by an “overriding reason of public interest” and be proportionate. Christophorou said that phrase does not appear in the Cypriot draft, leaving room for misuse and overreach.
The country’s Interior Ministry has agreed to meet with stakeholders, but despite strong opposition—including a warning from the Bar Association—it has not withdrawn the bill. Ministry Director George Mathiopoulos said a revised version would be submitted in order to meet in August the EU deadlines.
Meanwhile, concerns over press freedom in Cyprus are growing. Another legislative amendment under consideration could allow the attorney general to prosecute journalists for spreading “fake news,” potentially leading to prison time.
The International Federation of Journalists warned of the “chilling effect” such a law would create. Cyprus has dropped 10 spots on the Reporters Without Borders Press Freedom Index, now ranking 65th out of 180 countries.
UN Special Rapporteur Irene Khan cautioned last year that such laws could “lead to a self-censorship that is contrary to the interests of any robust and healthy democracy.”
The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe echoed that concern, saying the amendment risks enabling public officials to silence critics under the guise of fighting disinformation.
