Smashing plates in tavernas and bouzoukia may be part of a long-standing celebration culture, but under Cyprus' Criminal Code it remains a criminal offence punishable by imprisonment.
The same legislation also makes it an offence to possess or transport handcuffs without authorisation from the Chief of Police, regardless of whether they are intended for law enforcement purposes or as bedroom accessories.
The issue has reignited debate over the need to modernise a Criminal Code that still contains numerous provisions widely regarded as outdated, despite discussions on comprehensive reform having continued for 23 years.
Plate-smashing still punishable by imprisonment
Article 95A of the Criminal Code provides that any person who intentionally breaks glass, porcelain or other fragile tableware in a public entertainment venue is guilty of an offence punishable by up to six months' imprisonment.
The same penalty applies to venue owners or managers who provide the means for such conduct.
Handcuffs require police permission
Under Article 86A, anyone who imports, manufactures, sells, offers for sale, possesses or transports handcuffs without a permit from the Chief of Police is guilty of an offence.
The law provides for up to six months' imprisonment, a fine of 500 Cyprus pounds, or both.
Even railways remain in the code
Other provisions are equally anachronistic.
Article 230 provides for life imprisonment for anyone who intentionally causes damage or endangers the safety of people travelling by railway, despite the fact that Cyprus no longer operates a railway network.
Article 223, meanwhile, refers to the "duties of a master" towards domestic workers, a provision dating back to an era when employers were legally expected to provide servants with food and clothing.
Reform effort still unfinished after 23 years
The Criminal Code is Cyprus' principal piece of criminal legislation, defining offences and penalties across the legal system.
Efforts to modernise it began in July 2003, when former DISY MP Ionas Nicolaou submitted a proposal for reform.
Subsequent discussions in parliament's Legal Affairs Committee identified contradictions, inconsistencies and legislative gaps, while highlighting the need for a comprehensive review by the Ministry of Justice.
More than two decades later, that wider overhaul remains incomplete.
Strasbourg case prompts change
Developments did occur last week when the Ministry of Justice submitted legislation to parliament seeking the repeal of Article 97 following observations by the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR).
The provision criminalises aspects of certain Muslim wedding and circumcision celebrations.
Under the law, a person organising a Muslim celebration at which a female dancer or singer performs could face a fine or imprisonment of up to one month.
The article also contains language defining such performers as prostitutes or women paid to dance or sing at such events.
The complaint that reached the ECHR
The issue reached Strasbourg after a Muslim resident of Larnaca wished to organise a traditional celebration for his daughter's wedding but faced potential criminal liability under Article 97.
He challenged the provision before the ECHR, arguing that it was incompatible with the right to respect for private life.
The case, Ziya v. Cyprus, was resolved in September 2026 through a friendly settlement under which the applicant received €5,000 compensation and the Republic of Cyprus committed itself to abolishing Article 97.
According to the article's author, it ultimately required intervention from Strasbourg for what many regard as an obvious legislative correction to be made.
A matter of justice
The broader argument is that, after 23 years of discussions, the state must move beyond identifying outdated provisions and finally reform them.
Each provision, the article argues, should be assessed according to its contemporary necessity, constitutionality, proportionality and compatibility with human rights.
Where no legitimate reason exists for a law's continued presence on the statute books, it should be amended or repealed.
Modernising the Criminal Code, the author concludes, is not merely an administrative exercise but a matter of justice, rights protection and ensuring that the law reflects the realities of a modern democratic society.
