Police question 27 people over social media posts linked to parliamentary election

Nicosia, Cyprus. Police have begun questioning 27 people over more than 100 social media posts and advertisements allegedly linked to May’s parliamentary election and published when election-related campaigning was prohibited.

Investigation follows 127 complaints

Acting chief electoral officer Menelaos Vasiliou told the Cyprus News Agency that the investigation followed 127 complaints about paid advertisements and unpaid posts published on the eve of the election or on polling day.

Police spokesman Vyron Vyronos said officers received instructions from the attorney-general’s office five days ago and had begun taking statements. More than 100 posts appeared, at first sight, to be linked to 27 people, he said.

Among those summoned is Opek president Theano Kalavana. Vyronos said she was the only person who reacted strongly to being called for questioning.

Findings referred to attorney-general

Vasiliou said the Press and Information Office monitored social media during the parliamentary election and forwarded its findings to the interior ministry. The ministry sent the material to the attorney-general’s office on September 1 after determining that some cases appeared, at first sight, to breach electoral legislation.

He said the law prohibiting election-related posts on the day before an election and on polling day does not distinguish between candidates, politicians and ordinary citizens.