Nicosia, Cyprus. Government spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis said respect for press freedom and the independence of media workers is fundamental, amid verbal attacks on journalists ahead of the May 24 parliamentary elections. He called for a pre-election period conducted with respect and away from toxic and personal attacks.
Letymbiotis comments on media independence
Letymbiotis said respect for opposing views, criticism and media workers is self-evident and forms the foundation of the Republic. He added that media workers helped forge the foundations of democracy and said those participating in public discourse must uphold this principle when speaking publicly.
Public scrutiny of political discourse
Letymbiotis said those who participate in the public sphere are judged and that society judges them.
Dispute over remarks toward journalists
Earlier on Friday, Alma candidate Maria Theristi criticised Irene Charalambides and Nikoletta Tsikkini over remarks made toward journalists. Charalambides later defended her reaction, saying the television programme host was biased.
How should political figures in the pre-election period address criticism from journalists?