Discussion on gender-based violence and police weapon regulations in Cyprus parliament

During a parliamentary Human Rights Committee session, Police Chief Themistos Arnautis reported 18,409 cases of violence against women between 2021 and the first half of 2026. Data revealed 3,674 arrests, 2,858 court exclusion orders against perpetrators, and 373 protection orders for victims. Justice Minister Costas Fytiris announced a proposal for mandatory triennial psychological evaluations for police officers carrying service weapons, following a recent shooting incident in Limassol. Currently, psychological tests are only conducted upon recruitment. During the session, Minister Fytiris also disclosed that he received a distress message from a woman claiming her ex-husband was threatening her, which he immediately forwarded to the police for investigation. Police spokesperson Byron Byronos confirmed that the case has already been investigated and is currently before the court. The ministry emphasized the need for rapid response and improved management of initial reports. This legislative discussion follows the implementation of the Istanbul Convention and aims to enhance prevention measures against domestic and gender-based violence.