Opek director questioned by police over pre-election Facebook post

Nicosia, Cyprus. Theano Kalavana, director of the Association for Social Reform (Opek), revealed on Friday that police had questioned her over a Facebook post published on the eve of the May parliamentary elections. She told Politis she may face criminal charges over an apparent violation of election law.

Post published before the vote

On the day before the elections, held on May 24, Kalavana uploaded a video to her personal Facebook account with the comment: “Don’t hope, vote.” She then added: “If you like, vote for Volt.”

According to Kalavana, her “crime” was that she did not remove the post.

The relevant law prohibits political advertising and the publication of material that may influence the outcome of elections on the eve of voting and on election day. A conviction can carry a prison sentence of up to one year, a fine of up to €15,000, or both.

Concerns over freedom of expression

Kalavana criticised the election law as obsolete and out of touch with the era of social media.

She also raised concerns about freedom of expression, saying she could acquire a criminal record for expressing a personal opinion and leaving the post online.

She said Opek does not formally endorse Volt and that she is not a member of the party.