MVP

Tag: freedom of expression

  • George gavriel — Explosive Attack Targets Painter George Gavriel Amidst Art Censorship Controversy

    George gavriel — Explosive Attack Targets Painter George Gavriel Amidst Art Censorship Controversy

    george gavriel — The home of painter George Gavriel was the target of an explosive attack late Thursday afternoon, 18 December, following a week of political targeting and death threats over his latest art exhibition.

    According to Dialogos, the incident occurred in the village of Kokkinotrimithia while Gavriel was at home with his wife, children, and grandchildren. Witnesses reported hearing two motorcycles approach just before the explosions, which caused damage to the balcony of the house. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, but the family was left traumatised by the event.

    In response to the attack, police cordoned off the scene in Kokkinotrimithia and began a forensic examination of explosive residues. Investigators are also reviewing CCTV footage from the surrounding area in an effort to identify the two motorcyclists involved.

    The assault on Gavriel’s home marks a troubling escalation of hostility that has been brewing over his artwork. This surge in aggression followed the abrupt cancellation of his exhibition, Antisystemic Art, at the Blue Iris Gallery in Paphos just days earlier. The gallery’s owner faced multiple death threats and warnings of property destruction unless the provocative pieces—which include depictions of religious and political figures—were removed.

    Political tensions surrounding Gavriel have intensified, particularly after Efthymios Diplaros, the Deputy President of DISY, shared a collage of the artist’s work on social media, labelling it “crude blasphemy.” In response, Gavriel accused Diplaros of spreading “fake news” through a doctored image intended to incite public anger. The far-right ELAM party has since requested that the Police Chief initiate criminal proceedings against Gavriel for allegedly “insulting the Orthodox faith.”

    This isn’t the first time Gavriel has faced scrutiny for his artistic expressions. In 2021, a disciplinary probe against him was dropped by the Law Office, which concluded that his work did not violate his professional duties as a secondary school principal. However, this latest violent incident is likely to reignite discussions about the state’s duty to safeguard artists from extrajudicial threats and intimidation.

  • Gavriel exhibition — Paphos Gallery Owner Faces Death Threats Over Gavriel Exhibition

    Gavriel exhibition — Paphos Gallery Owner Faces Death Threats Over Gavriel Exhibition

    gavriel exhibition — gavriel exhibition — An art exhibition by painter George Gavriel was abruptly removed from the Blue Iris Gallery in Paphos after the gallery’s owner received death threats, the artist revealed on Sunday.

    Gavriel stated that he chose to withdraw his works, which frequently explore political and religious themes, due to an escalating “climate of intimidation and terrorism” faced by the gallery owner. This decision was made to ensure the owner’s safety amidst a troubling situation.

    The threats reportedly began on Thursday, sparked by a social media post from a candidate of the far-right ELAM party concerning the exhibition. The situation intensified through Saturday, leading to heightened concern for the gallery’s owner.

    According to sources, the police are aware of the threats and are familiar with the identities of those behind them. However, the gallery owner opted not to file a formal complaint, indicating the level of fear and intimidation surrounding the case.

    Gavriel, who has previously endured scrutiny from the Ministry of Education for his work being deemed “derogatory of religion”, expressed his regret over the need to cancel the exhibition. He emphasised the difficult times artists face, stating, “We live in difficult times where artists exhibit under police guard, and take down their works through extortion and terrorism.”

    Adding to the unsettling events, Gavriel reported that on Saturday, three young individuals entered the gallery’s basement and removed some of the artwork, only to return the pieces later. This incident underlined the volatile atmosphere surrounding the exhibition and the challenges artists face in expressing their work freely.

  • Cyprus sovereignty: Cyprus Faces Backlash Over Sovereignty After Israeli Request

    Cyprus sovereignty: Cyprus Faces Backlash Over Sovereignty After Israeli Request

    cyprus sovereignty — cyprus sovereignty — The issue of Cyprus surrendering sovereignty to Israel has ignited controversy following the Presidential Palace’s decision to disseminate a directive from Israel’s Diaspora Minister. This letter, addressed to municipalities and communities, calls for the removal of political slogans from public spaces, raising concerns over foreign interference in domestic affairs.

    The directive originated from a circular issued by Israel’s Ministry of Diaspora Affairs, which prompted the Interior Ministry of Cyprus to pass on the request to every municipality across the island. The Interior Ministry explicitly stated that they had received “instructions to forward” the Israeli request, detailing directives from Interior Minister Constantinos Ioannou that focused on the removal of alleged antisemitic slogans.

    The Movement of Ecologists – Citizens’ Cooperation has strongly condemned this action, labelling it a serious retreat from the principle of sovereignty. In a statement released on 22nd September 2025, the movement argued that “Cyprus cannot function under the instructions of any third country.” They view this situation as a dangerous precedent that undermines the country’s independence.

    The Israeli circular specifically targeted four pieces of graffiti that were deemed problematic. Among the images included was a depiction of a Palestinian flag held near two heart-shaped balloons, referencing an incident during a football match in July between Pafos FC and Israeli team Maccabi Tel Aviv. Other controversial artworks showcased included the word “Gaza” painted in blood red above a baby image and a tin labelled “genocide” leaking red paint, alongside inflammatory phrases above a modified Israeli flag.

    Municipal leaders, including Larnaca mayor Andreas Vyras, have publicly rejected the ministry’s instructions. Vyras, who also serves as the chairman of the union of Cyprus municipalities, stated firmly, “We do not accept suggestions from third parties, even more so from any foreign country.” He highlighted that municipalities are capable of addressing issues of genuine hate speech and violence without needing external direction, emphasising that “freedom of expression is non-negotiable.”

    Concerns around freedom of expression have been raised by the Movement of Ecologists, who argue that limiting such freedoms to appease foreign governments constitutes an attack on democracy. They stress that the ability to express oneself, as long as it doesn’t cross into hate speech, is essential to a functioning democracy. The movement has called for the immediate withdrawal of the circular and for the government to respect the will of its citizens, thereby ensuring the protection of the country’s independence and democratic rights.