**Title: Police Struggle to Address Anonymous Online Hate Speech in Cyprus**
Cyprus is facing a significant challenge with online hate speech, as more than 1,000 hate-filled comments are posted daily on various online platforms in Greek, according to Christos Christofides, chair of the House human rights committee. This alarming statistic was presented during a committee meeting on Monday, highlighting the urgent need for effective measures to combat this growing issue.
The data revealed by Christofides indicates that a substantial portion of these comments is deeply concerning. Approximately 48% of the hate speech contains Nazi-related content, while 21% involves Holocaust denial or distortion. Additionally, 11% of the comments are homophobic, and 10% target refugees. Despite the prevalence of such comments, prosecutions for hate speech remain infrequent.
Andreas Anastasiades, head of the police cybercrime unit, acknowledged the difficulties law enforcement faces in addressing online hate speech. He noted that two officers per district have been assigned to handle cases related to incitement to violence, both online and offline. However, there is no dedicated unit specifically focused on hate speech, which complicates efforts to tackle the issue effectively.
In recent years, Cyprus has recorded varying numbers of hate speech incidents. In 2023, there were 57 reported incidents, leading to 32 criminal cases. The following year saw a slight decrease, with 54 incidents and 30 criminal cases, while 2025 reported 44 incidents and 18 criminal cases. These figures suggest a troubling trend in the persistence of hate speech, despite the legal framework in place.
Anastasiades explained that pursuing anonymous accounts is particularly challenging. Police must request identifying information from companies based in the United States, a process he described as time-consuming. He pointed out that these companies often cite "freedom of expression" as a reason for not closing accounts, and they frequently indicate that users are utilizing VPNs, making them difficult to trace.
Anthi Papoutsidou, representing the justice ministry, emphasized that hate speech is not confined to online platforms but also appears in workplaces and everyday life, often targeting vulnerable individuals. She mentioned that Cyprus has implemented several laws addressing hate speech, with the most recent legislation introduced last year. Additionally, a national strategy adopted in 2021 aims to combat racism and violence against women.
In a bid to protect minors from harmful online content, the cabinet has approved a plan launched by the deputy research ministry. This plan seeks to restrict access to social media for individuals aged 15 and under and includes the development of an age verification tool.
The issue of online hate speech also poses risks to journalists. Giorgos Frangos, president of the journalist's union (ESK), reported that the union has intervened in 26 cases of threats against journalists over the past decade, six of which involved threats to life. Frangos stressed the importance of distinguishing journalistic content from other forms of online speech. He recalled public opposition to a proposed defamation law in 2023, which was ultimately withdrawn, emphasizing that efforts to control hate speech should not infringe upon journalistic freedoms.
Irini Loizidou Nikolaidou, director of the radio and television authority (CRTA), highlighted the authority's oversight of 117 online platforms based in Cyprus. However, she noted that responsibility for larger international platforms, such as YouTube and Facebook, lies with the European Commission.
As Cyprus grapples with the pervasive issue of online hate speech, the need for a coordinated and effective response from law enforcement, government agencies, and civil society is more critical than ever. The ongoing challenges in prosecuting hate speech and protecting vulnerable populations underscore the importance of continued dialogue and action to foster a safer online environment for all citizens.