CYPRUS: First conviction for posting racist comments on social media

A woman convicted by a Nicosia court for exhibiting racist and xenophobic behavior through comments posted on social media is a first for Cyprus’ justice system.

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CITY newspaper reported that a fine of 800 euros was imposed by the District Court of Nicosia on a woman who posted racist comments under a photo of a child posted by its father on his Facebook wall.

The woman appeared before the court in December 2018 charged with disseminating racist and xenophobic material which promotes discrimination, violence and hatred over the internet.

She pleaded guilty and January 7, she was fined EUR 800 by the Nicosia court.

The incident was reported to the Commissioner for Children’s Rights Leda Koursoumba after someone had spotted the comments.

"This is the first time that a case regarding comments aimed at a child over the internet has come before a court of law in Cyprus," the Commissioner said.

"It is unacceptable to engage in racist and hate speech. It is, however, an important decision taken by the Cypriot Justice,” Koursoumba told City.

It should be noted that the law provides that such offences (dissemination of racist and xenophobic material online) is punishable with imprisonment of up to 5 years, a fine of up to EUR 20,000 or both.