The Cyprus Bar Association (CBA) has raised serious constitutional concerns over a bill aiming to toughen penalties for individuals convicted of attacking healthcare professionals. The proposal, set to be discussed by Parliament’s Legal Affairs Committee, would amend the Criminal Code to treat assaults against medical workers as an aggravating factor in sentencing.
In its written submission to MPs, the CBA warns that such a provision could violate the principle of equality under the Constitution, by granting special legal protection to one professional group over others who also face high occupational risks.
“The proposal introduces a new aggravating circumstance so that whenever any offence is committed against a healthcare professional in the course of duty, their professional status would automatically lead to a harsher sentence,” the Association noted. “This distorts the logic of the existing Penal Code, which already specifies particular victim categories, such as minors, police officers or public officials, only in cases where the differentiation is objectively justified.”
The lawyers also cautioned that such amendments could breach Cyprus’s international obligations under the European Convention on Human Rights by introducing discrimination or preferential treatment “without an objective and necessary reason.”
Nurses’ Union Supports Stronger Protections
While lawyers question the constitutionality of the measure, the Cyprus Nurses and Midwives Union (PASYNM) has expressed full support, saying the change would improve safety and dignity in hospitals and clinics.
“Our union considers a specific legal provision for healthcare professionals necessary,” PASYNM said in a written statement to Parliament. “The demanding nature of our work, the responsibilities we carry and the conditions we face make it imperative to establish a clear and effective framework of protection. This is not about privilege, but about safeguarding safety, professional integrity and the uninterrupted delivery of care.”
The union also stressed that any legal provision should cover all healthcare professionals, regardless of whether they work in the public or private sector.
State Health Services Add Clarifications
The State Health Services Organisation, in its own submission, highlighted the need for the term “healthcare professional” to reflect the definition used in the national legislation governing health-sector registrations. This includes not only doctors and nurses but also paramedics and occupational therapists, workers who are also at risk of violence in the course of their duties.
The Draft Bill
The draft law currently before Parliament stipulates that “any person who commits an assault causing actual bodily harm to a public official, doctor, nurse, midwife or law enforcement officer during the exercise of their duties, or to any person assisting them, is guilty of an offence and, upon conviction, is liable to imprisonment of up to four years.”
The measure has gained traction following a series of recent incidents involving verbal and physical attacks on healthcare workers in state hospitals. However, the Cyprus Bar Association insists that any amendments to the Criminal Code must be narrowly defined, proportionate and constitutionally sound to avoid creating what it called a “hierarchy of victims.”
Further discussion and potential revisions to the bill are expected in upcoming committee sessions before it moves to the plenary for a vote.