Justice Abroad Representing British Woman Arrested and Charged for Describing Elected Mayor in Cyprus as Useless and Calls for Apology for Unlawful Arrest

Justice Abroad is representing a British mother, Mrs Kaela Charalampous, who lives in the Cypriot village of Mandria and was arrested in front of her young child after describing the elected mayor of Mandria village as ‘useless’ in a comment under a Facebook post regarding works being carried out in the village.

The arrest and charging of Ms Charalmpous is an obvious breach of the woman’s rights under Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights which provides for freedom of expression which is particularly protected when it comes to the protection of criticisms of elected politicians.

Following Ms Charalampous’s arrest she was taken to the Police station then to Mayor Kypros Michaelides’ office where he threatened her that proceedings would continue against her unless she posted a public apology, one of which he drafted himself and made her post on Facebook.

Justice Abroad’s Michael Polak has written to Justice Minister Emily Yiolitis and the Attorney General of Cyprus George Savvides for them to immediately confirm that the charges against Ms Charalampous will be dropped, that she will be given a public apology for the unlawful action, and that she will not be subject to any repercussions from the authorities for her lawful actions.

Justice Abroad’s Michael Polak has stated the following:

‘It is very worrying that a warrant has been issued for the arrest of Ms Charalampous for expression which clearly falls within her Article 10 right to criticise an elected representative. 

An urgent investigation at the highest level needs to be undertaken to determine how this occurred especially given that this involves an individual holding public office. Therefore, it is important for the public to be reassured that undue pressure has not been applied in this case.

The European Court of Human Rights has repeatedly emphasized that ‘freedom of political debate is at the very core of the concept of a democratic society which prevails throughout the Convention’ and this mantra is directly applicable to the facts in this case.

At this stage, Ms Charalampous is requesting a public apology for the unlawful actions which have been taken against her, a law-abiding member of society who was arrested in front of her young child.

We call on Justice Minister Emily Yiolitis and the Attorney General of Cyprus George Savvides to clarify that criminal proceedings will be discontinued immediately, there will be an inquiry into what has happened in this case and how a warrant was ever issued, and for a public apology to be given to Mrs Charalampous for the fear and distress she has suffered.

Notes to Editors

Justice Abroad, www.justiceabroad.co.uk has been set up to help those trying to find their way through foreign justice systems with all the associated hurdles that presents, to represent those facing gross breaches of their human rights no matter where this takes place, and to advise and assist the victims of crimes as to how to achieve justice.

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