The Justice Ministry has tabled a bill in parliament aimed at curbing abusive or manifestly unfounded legal actions in civil cases. Debate is expected to begin once the House resumes its work in the new year. The proposal, formally titled Protection Of Persons Engaging In Public Participation Against Manifestly Unfounded Claims Or Abusive Court Proceedings Law 2025, transposes EU Directive 2024/1069, which must be incorporated into national law by 7 May 2026.
Purpose of the bill
According to the explanatory report accompanying the bill, its goal is to establish procedural safeguards against manifestly unfounded or abusive court proceedings, including cases with cross-border implications. Such actions often target individuals or organisations because of their involvement in activities of public interest. Particular concern is placed on cases involving journalists and human rights defenders. Although the directive applies only to cross-border situations, the Cypriot bill extends protection to domestic cases as well.
Key provisions
The bill is divided into six chapters and includes a series of measures:
Procedural measures
Courts may order financial guarantees, dismiss manifestly unfounded claims at an early stage and provide legal protections against abusive actions.
Accelerated examination
Applications for early dismissal must be examined promptly, taking into account the circumstances of each case and the right to an effective remedy and impartial trial.
Rights of the defendant
Defendants retain the right to seek legal remedies even if claimants amend their filings at a later stage.
Financial guarantees
If the court finds indications of abuse, it can require the claimant to deposit a monetary guarantee to cover the defendant’s estimated legal costs.
Early dismissal of claims
Courts may, on their own initiative or upon request, reject claims deemed to discourage public participation when they are manifestly unfounded.
Burden of proof
The claimant must demonstrate that their action is not manifestly unfounded. Decisions on early dismissal are subject to appeal.
Legal costs
Courts may order claimants to pay the defendant’s legal costs when abusive proceedings are established.
Additional measures
Courts may impose other effective sanctions, including compensation to the defendant where included in a counterclaim.
The Ministry of Justice and Public Order is designated as the competent authority for providing public information, including online resources, on cases covered by the law.