A lawyer who posted a sexist comment about a student performing at a public event in 2021 has been fined €10,000 by the Disciplinary Board of the Cyprus Bar Association.
The board found that the lawyer's conduct was incompatible with the legal profession and took into account what it described as a complete lack of remorse when determining the penalty.
The case concerned a social media post directed at a student who took part in an artistic programme during the inauguration of the new building of the Paphos School Board in September 2021. Although the lawyer removed the post one to three days later following public criticism, he maintained throughout the disciplinary proceedings that his comments were justified and protected by freedom of expression.
The post
According to the disciplinary ruling, the lawyer attended the event on 14 September 2021 as a representative of the Bar Association.
Referring to the student's appearance, he wrote on social media:
"There are some things that really bother me. Tonight in Paphos, at the inauguration of the new School Board building, in the presence of the Metropolitan of Paphos, the Mayor of Paphos and the Minister of Education, with songs by Mikis Theodorakis, a young lady came to sing wearing her thong under her white dress ..."
The post went on to question whether anyone should have advised the girl that "this is not an appearance appropriate for this event".
The comments sparked widespread reactions and were later deleted.
"I told the truth"
In submissions aimed at mitigating his punishment, the lawyer did not apologise and instead defended the content of his post.
Among other things, he argued:
"I witnessed an unacceptable situation. The girl's appearance was unacceptable. Even more so given that she was singing songs by Mikis Theodorakis."
He insisted that his comments were truthful and said he was criticising those who allowed the student to appear as she did.
"Will you punish me because I told the truth? Because I expressed myself seeking an end to an unacceptable phenomenon?"
He further argued that freedom of speech must be protected even when opinions offend others.
The ruling
In its decision, the disciplinary panel said the legal profession requires conduct that preserves public confidence in lawyers and the profession generally.
That obligation, it noted, extends beyond professional activities and also covers public statements made through social media or other platforms.
The board found that the post constituted:
"Improper behaviour and conduct incompatible with the profession of lawyer."
The ruling added that:
"The expression of views that reflect sexist behaviour and misogyny constitutes offensive and degrading public discourse, can cause intimidation and/or stigmatisation, and/or reproduce harmful stereotypes, particularly when they concern or are directed at minors."
The board said such conduct was inconsistent with the principles of honour and dignity expected of lawyers and with their duty to protect the rights of the public.
No remorse
In determining the penalty, the disciplinary body considered:
- The seriousness of the misconduct.
- The lawyer's complete lack of remorse.
- The fact that five years had passed since the incident.
The decision also noted that an earlier disciplinary procedure against the lawyer had previously been suspended.
