Heated Debate in Parliament on Demonstrations

A heated debate took place in the Parliamentary Committee on Human Rights regarding the new legislation on demonstrations, in light of the events of October 2nd outside the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

During the session, the OSCE's reservations about the legislation were discussed. AKEL MP Giorgos Koukoumas criticized both the law and its implementation, accusing the Minister of Justice of providing false information regarding last Thursday's protest.

DISY MP Fotini Tsiridou questioned the competence of the Human Rights Committee on the matter, arguing that it belongs to the Legal Committee. DIKO MP Christos Senekis stressed that the OSCE is not calling for the repeal of the law but is making specific recommendations.

The Minister of Justice defended the philosophy of the law, pointing out that it contains no prohibitions, but refers to offenses, mainly acts of violence that threaten peace. The Deputy Chief of Police, Panikos Stavrou, supported the legislation, stressing that it provides clear guidelines to the Force.

Source: RIK Radio, Andri Hatzichristodoulou