On 5 July 2022 the European Court of Human Rights issued its judgment in the case of Drousiotis v. Cyprus in which it unanimously concluded that Cyprus violated Drousiotis’ freedom of expression.

The case concerned an article published by Drousiotis criticising the Cypriot government in caustic terms for extending the term of office of a high-ranking Attorney of the Republic of Cyprus and voicing concerns as to his suitability for his functions. The Cypriot Supreme Court had considered the impugned comments “insults” and upheld a first-instance decision finding Drousiotis liable for defamation and imposing an award of 25,000 euros in damages.

This was the first time that a judgment of the Cypriot Supreme Court in libel proceedings was reversed in Strasbourg. Drousiotis was represented by Leto Cariolou and Charilaos Velaris.

It is expected that the judgment by the European Court of Human Rights will influence the Cypriot courts’ interpretation of the right to freedom of expression so that they ensure higher protection for critical political speech as well as for expressions and ideas that offend, shock and disturb.