Court postpones case of two activists arrested during Cypriot Independence Day celebrations

On October 1, 2024, Oz Karahan and George Tattis were arrested at an event marking the anniversary of the Republic of Cyprus. The arrests occurred while the two men were holding a banner with the slogan 'Republic of Cyprus the only solution'. The Green Party – Citizens' Cooperation has repeatedly expressed its support for the pair, with members attending the Nicosia District Court. Despite the time elapsed since the initial arrest, the trial has yet to commence. The court has granted a new postponement, scheduling the next hearing for November 16, 2026. In an official statement, the Green Party questioned why the judicial process is continuing, arguing that peaceful expression of political views should not be subject to criminal prosecution. They further stated that the ongoing legal proceedings raise concerns regarding freedom of expression and the protection of civil liberties in a democratic state.