Cyprus introduces therapy for sexual offenders and strengthens police presence

The Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Cyprus, within the 2026 budget, has proposed for the first time the introduction of therapeutic programs for persons who have committed sexual offenses, as well as increased supervision of such offenders released from prison.

The ministry also plans to implement a new police plan to strengthen citizens’ sense of protection and security. Measures include increasing frontline personnel, enhancing patrols by foot and motorized units with stationary checks, and improving the autonomy and staffing of the Information and Analysis Subdirectorate.

There are plans to strengthen the Subdirectorate for the Investigation of Economic Crimes to intensify financial checks and confiscate proceeds from illegal activities, create a new investigative unit to verify unjustified assets, and form permanent anti-hooligan teams in the MMAD unit.

The ministry notes that although the Republic of Cyprus remains a low-risk target for terrorism, hydrocarbon discoveries and international interest may increase the threat level. The package also includes measures against racism and xenophobia, a proposal to criminalize the dissemination of fake news, the introduction of juvenile probation under Law 55(I)/2021, and preparation of a national LGBTQI+ strategy.

According to the computerized warrant system, as of May 30, 2024, there were 297,683 outstanding penalty warrants totaling €358,710,017.