Peaceful Assembly in Cyprus

People in Cyprus organise protests on a range of issues – including many opposing fiscal austerity measures. Protests have been frequent in recent years and most have been peacefully observed by demonstrators and police alike. A protest by electricity utility employees in 2014 ended in clashes with the police who used tear gas to restore order. On the whole however, protests rarely turn violent and police have seldom been accused of using excessive or disproportionate force to quell unrest. Demonstrations in Cyprus are allowed to take place without permits, in compliance with international standards on the management of peaceful assemblies.