LEGAL FRAMEWORK

The ROC constitution prohibits religious discrimination and protects the right of individuals to profess their faith and to worship, teach, and practice or observe their religion, individually or collectively, in private or in public, subject to limitations due to considerations of national security or public health, safety, order, and morals or the protection of civil liberties. The constitution specifies all religions whose doctrines or rites are not secret are free and equal before the law. It protects the right to change one’s religion and prohibits the use of physical or moral compulsion to force or prevent persons from changing their religion.

The ROC constitution grants the Greek Orthodox Church of Cyprus (Church of Cyprus) the exclusive right to regulate and administer the church’s internal affairs and property in accordance with its canons and charter. By law, the Church of Cyprus pays taxes only on commercial activities.

The ROC constitution sets guidelines for the Islamic Vakf, which is tax exempt and has the right to regulate and administer its internal affairs and property in accordance with its laws and principles. According to the constitution, no legislative, executive, or other act may contravene or interfere with the Church of Cyprus or the Vakf. The Vakf, which acts as caretaker of religious properties in the Turkish Cypriot community, operates only in the area administered by Turkish Cypriots. The government administers and provides financial support for the physical maintenance of mosques in the government-controlled area.

In addition to the Church of Cyprus and Islam, the constitution recognizes three other religious groups: Maronite Catholics, Armenian Orthodox, and Latins (Latin Rite Roman Catholics). These groups’ institutions are tax exempt and eligible for government subsidies for cultural and educational matters, including to cover costs to operate their own schools, for school fees of group members attending private schools, and for activities to preserve their cultural identity.

Religious groups not recognized in the ROC constitution must register as nonprofit organizations to engage in financial transactions and maintain bank accounts. To register, a religious group must submit, through an attorney, an application to the Registrar of Companies under the Ministry of Energy, Commerce, and Industry stating its purpose and providing the names of its directors. Religious groups registered as nonprofit organizations are treated the same as other nonprofit organizations. They are tax exempt, must provide annual reports to the government, and are not eligible for government subsidies.

The clergy of the five religious communities (recognized by the ROC constitution) have the authority to perform marriage ceremonies and may sign marriage certificates. Members of the clergy of other faiths must apply to the Ministry of Interior (MOI) for authorization to perform marriages. The list of authorized marriage officers is published in the Official Gazette. Divorce requires a court decision. A state physician or pathologist, not a member of the clergy, signs all death certificates.

According to the law, the Armenian, Maronite, and Latin communities each have an elected representative to parliament who has nonvoting observer status. Members of these communities also may run for any of the 56 seats that have voting rights in the body.

The ROC government has formal processes by which religious groups may apply to use restored religious heritage sites for religious purposes.

According to ROC public school regulations, students are not permitted to cover their heads in school. The regulation explicitly states, however, that this prohibition should be implemented without discriminating against a student’s religion, race, color, gender, or any political or other convictions of the student or the parents. This language allows schools to be flexible and permit students to wear head coverings.

ROC law criminalizes incitement to hatred and violence based on race, color, religion, genealogical origin, national or ethnic origin, or sexual orientation. Such acts are punishable by up to five years’ imprisonment, a fine of up to €10,000 ($11,100), or both.

ROC and EU law requires animal stunning before slaughter. EU law allows optional exceptions from the stunning requirement in cases of slaughter methods prescribed by religious rites. The ROC opts not to allow religious exemptions.

The ROC government requires Greek Orthodox religious instruction and attendance at religious services before major Greek Orthodox religious holidays in public primary and secondary schools. The Ministry of Education (MOE) may excuse primary school students of other religious groups from attending religious services and instruction at the request of their parents or guardians, but Greek Orthodox children in primary school may not opt out. The MOE may excuse secondary school students from religious instruction on grounds of religion or conscience and may excuse them from attending religious services on any grounds at the request of their parents or guardians, or at their own request if older than 16.

The Office of the Commissioner for Administration and Protection of Human Rights (Ombudsman) is an independent state institution responsible for protecting citizens’ rights and human rights in general. The ombudsman may investigate complaints made against any public service agency or official for actions that violate human rights, including freedom of religion, or contravene the laws or rules of proper administration. The ombudsman makes recommendations to correct wrongdoings but is unable to enforce them.

Conscientious objectors are exempted on religious grounds from active military duty and from reservist service in the ROC National Guard but must complete alternative service. The two options available for conscientious objectors are unarmed military service, a maximum of four months longer than the normal 14-month service, or social service, which is a maximum of eight months longer than normal service but requires fewer hours of work per day. The penalty for refusing military or alternative service is up to three years’ imprisonment, a fine of up to €6,000 ($6,600), or both. Those who refuse both military and alternative service, even if objecting on religious grounds, are considered culpable of an offense involving dishonesty or moral turpitude, are disqualified from holding elected public office, and are ineligible for permits to provide private security services.

The ROC is party to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

In the area administered by Turkish Cypriots, the “constitution” states the “government” is a secular republic and provides for freedom of conscience and religious faith and unrestricted worship and religious ceremonies, provided they do not contravene public order or morals. It prohibits forced prayer, forced attendance at religious services, insulting others’ religious beliefs, and compelling individuals to disclose their religious beliefs. It stipulates religious education requires “state” approval and may only be conducted under “state” supervision, but the “law” allows summer religious knowledge courses, widely reported to be Quran reading and study, to be taught in mosques without “MOE” approval. The “law” does not explicitly recognize any specific religion, and individuals cannot “exploit or abuse” religion to establish, even partially, a “state” based on religious precepts or for political or personal gain.

In the area administered by Turkish Cypriots, according to the “constitution,” the Vakf has the exclusive right to regulate and administer property affairs based on its established principles. Although the “constitution” states the Vakf shall be exempt from all taxation, its commercial operations are subject to taxes. The “constitution” does not explicitly recognize religious groups other than the Vakf. According to the “constitution,” Turkish Cypriot authorities shall help the Vakf in the execution of Islamic religious services and in meeting the expenses of such services. No other religious organization is tax exempt or receives subsidies from Turkish Cypriot “authorities.”

The 1975 Vienna III Agreement covers the treatment of Greek Cypriots and Maronite Catholics living in the area administered by Turkish Cypriots and the treatment of Turkish Cypriots living in the government-controlled area. The agreement governs facilities and administration for religious worship for Greek Cypriots and states they “will be given every help to lead a normal life, including facilities for education and for the practice of their religion.”

Turkish Cypriot “regulations” stipulate Greek Orthodox residents may hold liturgies or masses conducted by two designated priests at three designated functional churches (Agia Triada Church in Agia Triada/Sipahi, Agia Triada Church in Rizokarpaso/Dipkarpaz, and Agios Synesios Church in Rizokarpaso/Dipkarpaz) in the Karpas peninsula without seeking permission, and Maronite residents may hold liturgies or masses at four designated functional Maronite churches Agios Georgios Church in Kormakitis/Korucam, Timios Stavros Church in Karpasia/Karpasa, and Panagia Church in Kampyli/Hisarkoy) without seeking permission. Religious groups must submit applications to the authorities for permission to hold religious services at churches or monasteries other than these seven churches. Permission is also necessary for priests other than those officially designated to conduct services.

Specific permission is required for services including participation by Cypriots who are not resident in the Turkish Cypriot-administered area, such as members of the Greek Orthodox, Maronite Catholic, and Armenian Orthodox churches living in the government-controlled area. Applications to hold worship services at these sites are required 10 days before the date of such religious services and they must be coordinated through the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP).

The “MFA” uses specific criteria to evaluate requests for Greek Cypriot religious services to be held at religious sites in the Turkish Cypriot-administered area. For an application to be considered, the day of the requested service must be a designated religious holiday (Christmas, Easter, or the church’s name day, sometimes referred to as its feast day, etc.). The church or monastery must be structurally sound and not located in a military zone, with exceptions for some Maronite churches. The building must not have a dual use, for example, serve as a museum; there should be no dispute from local Turkish Cypriot residents over the use of the property; and Turkish Cypriot “police” must be available to provide security.

In the Turkish Cypriot-administered area, permission is also required for priests (aside from those that are officially predesignated) to conduct services. Specific permission is required for individuals who do not reside in the Turkish Cypriot-administered area, including members of the Greek Orthodox, Maronite Catholic, and Armenian Orthodox Churches, to participate. UNFICYP coordinates these applications, which religious groups must submit at least 10 days before the date of the requested service. According to the “MFA,” Greek Cypriot Orthodox Church priests who make segregationist and racially motivated public statements that contain “messages of enmity, hatred and distrust” cannot be allowed to lead religious services in the north. Priests who participate in military training in the ROC organized by the Church of Cyprus and the National Guard are also not allowed to lead religious services.

The “government”-appointed “mufti of Cyprus” heads the “Religious Affairs Department” in the “Prime Minister’s Office,” which functions as a “civil authority” and represents Islam in the area administered by Turkish Cypriots. Whereas the Vakf manages Muslim-donated property as an endowment for charitable purposes, the “religious affairs department” oversees how imams conduct prayers and approves the Friday sermon in mosques.

The “offenses against religion” section in the “TRNC criminal code” criminalizes (as a misdemeanor) acts by “any person who, with the intention of insulting the religion of any person, or knowing that any destruction, harm, or defilement of any person will be an insult to their religion, destroys, damages or pollutes a place of worship or any property considered sacred by a certain group of people.”

Religious groups in the Turkish Cypriot-administered area do not have to register with authorities as associations to assemble or worship, but only associations registered with the “MOI” have the right to engage in commercial activity and maintain bank accounts. Religious and nonreligious groups have the same registration process – they must submit the founders’ names and photocopies of their identification cards to the “MOI” along with a copy of the association’s rules and regulations. Associations do not receive tax-exempt status or any “government” benefits or subsidies. Religious groups cannot register as associations if the stated purpose of the association is to provide religious education to its members.

In the Turkish Cypriot-administered area, mandatory religious instruction is taught in grades four through eight in all public and private schools. These classes focus on Sunni Islam but also include sessions on comparative religion. The “MOE” sets the curriculum, which is based on a textbook commissioned by Turkey’s Ministry of Education. Students under grade six who are non-Muslim are required to listen to religious instruction but are graded without examination. Students may opt out of mandatory religion courses in grades six through eight. Beyond grade eight, religion classes are optional.

In the area administered by Turkish Cypriots, there are no provisions or “laws” allowing conscientious objection to mandatory military service, which requires a 12- to 15-month initial service period and one-day annual reserve duty until the age of 39. The penalty for refusing to complete mandatory military service is up to three years’ imprisonment, a fine of up to 10,800 Turkish lira ($370), or both.

GOVERNMENT PRACTICES

Abuses Involving the Ability of Individuals to Engage in Religious Activities Alone or In Community with Others

Religious leaders in the ROC said removing obstacles to access to churches, mosques, and monasteries on both sides of the island was their top priority. Imam Shakir Alemdar, a representative of the Muslim community known for his longstanding support of interfaith dialogue across the island, and the Department of Antiquities confirmed the restoration of the Limassol Great Mosque continued through year’s end.

The ROC government allowed the Muslim community access for religious services at five of the 19 mosques designated as cultural heritage sites as well as at five other mosques not so designated. Of the 10 functioning mosques, nine were available for all five daily prayers and nine had the necessary facilities for ablution. Of those remaining, one mosque had ablution facilities but was not open for all five prayers and one was open for all five but lacked ablution facilities.

The UNFICYP office responsible for facilitating requests to hold worship services in the area administrated by Turkish Cypriots said applicants for Greek Cypriot religious services often complained the “MFA” approved applications only a few days before the requested service, causing organizers to cancel due to the last-minute notice.

According to Church of Cyprus representatives, “MFA authorities” continued to grant access to Greek Orthodox places of worship. Church of Cyprus representatives, however, indicated their access was substantially decreased compared with previous years, stating that of its 65 requests, only 20 were approved during the year. UNFICYP reported the “MFA” approved 40 of 78 UNFICYP-submitted requests to facilitate religious services at churches in the area administered by Turkish Cypriots between August and December. The “MFA” reported it approved 128 of 185 total requests (including both UNFICYP-facilitated requests and requests submitted directly to the “MFA”) between January and December to hold religious services, compared with 107 of 173 requests between January and December 2022. The “MFA” reported denying 39 requests because they fell outside requirements to hold religious services.

Although the “MFA” reported 79 churches were open for religious services in the area administrated by Turkish Cypriots, these churches were only available for religious services with prior approval. The “MFA” reported a religious service was held at the Greek Orthodox Church of Agios Georgios in Goufes/Camlica, on September 3, for the first time in years. During the year, however, Church of Cyprus representatives reported Turkish Cypriot authorities denied Greek Orthodox clergy permission to perform services in several other Greek Orthodox churches. Turkish Cypriot authorities denied the Bishop of Karpasia permission to perform the liturgy at Apostolos Andreas Monastery in Karpasia on November 30, the feast day of Apostolos Andreas. A Greek Cypriot priest was denied permission to conduct the funeral service for his deceased mother at Ayia Triada Church in Ayia Triada village of Karpasia. The Bishop of Neapolis Porfyrios was denied permission to perform liturgy on November 17 at the Church of Panagia Galaktoforousa in Palekythro village. The bishop said it was the third time Turkish Cypriot authorities denied his request to conduct a service at the same church without justification.

Three Greek Orthodox churches – Apostolos Andreas, St. Barnabas, and St. Mamas – remained open for individual prayers throughout the year, but Turkish Cypriot authorities continued to require advance notification for religious services. While St. Mamas and St. Barnabas Churches functioned as museums and were open only during working hours, officials permitted individuals to pray at the churches during those hours. Turkish Cypriot authorities allowed liturgies at St. Barnabas on specific dates agreed through the RTCYPP, and such liturgies took place throughout the year. Authorities granted permission to the Bishop of Morphou to perform the liturgy at St. Mamas Church on September 2, the saint’s feast day.

On March 23, the Iskele District “Court” in the Turkish Cypriot-administered area withdrew charges of the illegal importation of Christian literature not declared to “customs officials,” which authorities confiscated from a U.S. citizen pastor’s home in 2021. At year’s end, however, the pastor still faced charges in Famagusta District Court related to the importation of Christian literature not declared to “customs officials” confiscated from his business in 2021 as well as for providing unauthorized training in barista skills and wine appreciation. The Turkish Cypriot “customs department” initially granted a license in 2019 to the pastor to operate a coffee shop. Later, municipal “authorities” revoked the license. In a 2021 raid of the pastor’s home and business, “police” seized Bibles and Christian literature in various languages. “Police” stated the pastor’s business, including a cafe, was operating and selling wine without a license. A hearing on the case was scheduled for April but later postponed. At year’s end, the pastor continued to face three outstanding charges related to cafe operations and material found during its 2021 raid.

A Greek Orthodox representative reported that 72 religious sites remained inaccessible because they were located within established Turkish military zones or in the UN-monitored Buffer Zone.

A representative of the Church of Cyprus said there was little or no access to some Orthodox religious sites that were deteriorating, many of them turned into stables, mosques, or used for other purposes. A representative also said Greek Orthodox cemeteries in the north were in a dilapidated state; crosses and other religious symbols were broken and removed, and some cemeteries were completely flattened. Of the approximately 500 cemeteries, only three to five were in good condition, according to the representative.

In October, the Greek-language daily newspaper Phileleftheros published photographs of the Church of Ayia Anna in Kythrea village, which the owners of a gym repurposed into a boxing facility, reportedly placing a boxing ring where the iconostasis used to be located.

A Maronite community representative said the Turkish military continued to restrict access to the Church of Archangelos Michael in the village of Asomatos/Ozhan. The “MFA” said this was because the church was in a military zone. The “MFA” clarified that for Maronite services, it only required advance notification, not a request for access, to hold Sunday services and reported that no worshipers were refused admittance during the year. According to the “MFA,” the Turkish military allowed Maronites to celebrate Mass in Ayia Marina in May but denied Maronites access to the Church of Marki near Kormakitis/Korucam. The “MFA” stated the request was denied due to the church’s location in a military zone and that the physical and structural condition of the church rendered it unsafe to hold religious services. A Maronite community representative said Turkish Cypriot authorities had not responded to a longstanding request of the community to permit the restoration of the historical monastery of Prophet Elias near the village of Ayia Marina, the most important religious monument for the Maronites of Cyprus. The monastery is situated in a Turkish military zone.

According to news reports, in July, a Turkish Cypriot-administered “court” fined a Nigerian student 7,000 Turkish Lira ($240) for “attempting to spread Christianity.” “Authorities” arrested the student, who studied at one of the universities in the Turkish Cypriot-administered area, for allegedly giving an “unauthorized Bible lesson” in the basement of an apartment complex in Famagusta. The “court” found that the lesson violated the Turkish Cypriot administered “laws” on religious education, which stipulates all religious education must receive prior approval from the “ministry of education.” Pending charges, the “court” required the student to report to a “police” station once a week to prove his presence, which he did through year’s end.

In the area administered by Turkish Cypriots, Greek Orthodox faithful reported “police” continued to monitor their church services. They reported plainclothes “police” were present during services, scrutinized priests’ identification, monitored the congregation, and took photographs of attendees’ identification. A Maronite representative said plainclothes “police” sometimes monitored church services in Maronite villages in the area administered by Turkish Cypriots.

According to the TSPA, in the area administered by Turkish Cypriots, “police” or plainclothes officers continued to monitor member’s activities, regularly visited churches used by the group, and asked its members questions about their activities and beliefs. The TSPA reported “authorities” continued to harass believers, and that new believers were summoned to appear at “police” stations and interrogated about their faith. The TSPA reported “police” asked members of the community such questions as, “Who made you convert into a Christian?; Who baptized you?; When were you baptized?; Why did you leave Islam and become a Christian?” and advised “You are on the wrong path and should turn away.” The TSPA reported “police” sometimes visited relatives of young believers. The TSPA also reported a young Turkish Cypriot couple with a newborn baby elected to depart Cyprus due to such harassment.

During the year, the Dhali Mosque, located in the ROC, continued to operate without ablution facilities or bathrooms. It was the only one of the 10 functioning mosques lacking such facilities. The ROC government completed a study for the construction of ablution facilities at Dhali Mosque and issued tenders for the project. At year’s end, construction was scheduled to begin in early 2024.

Hala Sultan Tekke Mosque, located in the government-controlled area and considered an historically important Islamic religious site in the Muslim world because of its ties to a close companion of the Prophet Muhammad, continued to be the only (of 10) functioning mosques not regularly open for all five daily prayers. The Department of Antiquities classified the mosque as an “ancient monument” and continued to keep it open only for standard museum hours, which facilitated access to the mosque for only two of the five daily prayer times during most of the year. The imam, who served as the mosque’s custodian, was required to ask the Department of Antiquities for permission to keep the mosque open beyond museum hours on special occasions, such as Ramadan, and the requests were routinely granted.

In May, the TCCH completed the restoration of the mosque in Maroni village in Larnaca District, located in the government-controlled area. In September, the TCCH finished the conservation of the Mosque in Kalo Chorio/Vuda village in Larnaca District.

In the area administered by Turkish Cypriots, the TCCH reported that during the year, it completed 14 conservation projects, compared with six in 2022, to restore or preserve religious sites. The TCCH further confirmed it was supervising four additional projects, compared with seven in 2022, in the Turkish Cypriot-administered area.

In June, the TCCH announced the completion of conservation works at the church of Agios Georgios and the church of Panagia Agia Napa, both in the Turkish Cypriot-administered area. Representatives of the EU and the UN Development Program marked the completion of the two works with an opening ceremony. Sotos Ktoris, TCCH Greek Cypriot cochair, stated, “The churches of Agios Georgios and Panagia not only serve as physical testaments to our past but also as a source of inspiration for the present and the future.” He emphasized, “Our cultural heritage is a bridge that connects us to our roots and serves as a platform for understanding, respect and appreciation among Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots.”

According to local press reports and other sources, the Turkish government continued to provide significant support to Sunni Islamic activities in the area administered by Turkish Cypriots. According to the annual Turkey “TRNC” economic protocol, “Religious services will be included in the main duty and control area of the [‘state,’] and the [‘Religious Affairs Department’] will be reorganized within the legal entity of the [‘state.’] Religious services will be carried out in a way that has the authority to supervise and control all religious activity.”

In July, English language daily newspaper Cyprus Mail reported that Turkish Cypriot authorities announced they began construction of a Muslim prayer area on or near the grounds of the Apostolos Andreas Monastery in Karpas. The “municipal” project aimed to repurpose two rooms in a vacant building on the outskirts of (or adjacent to) the monastery. Reports of the planned construction caused controversy in Turkish and Greek Cypriot communities. In August, Turkish Cypriot “officials” announced they had halted construction. The “Ministers of Transportation and Public Works,” however, announced the municipality’s plans to construct a small mosque on the grounds of the Apostolos Andreas Monastery continued. He added it was his “greatest dream” to build a mosque next to the monastery. As of the end of the year, construction had not resumed.

According to media reports, in September, the Metropolitan Bishop of Paphos Tychikos and the Metropolitan Bishop of Morphou Neophytos publicly opposed the introduction of compulsory sex education courses in ROC public schools. Church of Cyprus primate Archbishop Georgios, however, publicly stated his support for the decision of the Ministry of Education to introduce the courses. On September 18, the Holy Synod of the Church of Cyprus voted to support sex education, stating it would closely monitor the content and the way the subject was taught.

In July, Selma Eylem of the Turkish Cypriot Secondary Education Teachers Union (KTPEPS) reported that Turkish Cypriot education “authorities” had given permission to imams to teach Quran courses to children at mosques during the summer semester break. Local press published photographs of young boys and girls attending these courses, where they were offered fruit juices, ice cream, and other sweets. Press criticized the Turkish Cypriot “authorities” for threating secularism by allowing the courses, which they said was an initiative of Ankara. The Turkish Cypriot ruling coalition and the “ministry of education” came under heavy criticism from media, civil society organizations, opinion leaders, and some politicians for having given permission to hold the Quran courses. “The education ministry is committing a crime by allowing minors to be taught by imams with no pedagogical formation, who deceive and brainwash them with ice cream,” stated Eylem. Eylem said the courses were an attempt by Turkey to interfere into the Turkish Cypriot secular way of life and culture, in this case, by promoting readings of the Quran.

In August, “TRNC Minister of Education” Nazim Cavusoglu responded to criticism from secular Turkish Cypriots for amendments in school textbooks that show images of women wearing different head coverings. Cavusoglu said Turkish society was composed of both Muslim and non-Muslim citizens and emphasized authorities’ support of the textbook changes. Turkish Cypriot teachers’ unions, political parties, and parents held a demonstration in front of the “ministry of education” to protest the changes in school textbooks, as well as mandatory classes on religion and the reciting of prayers in school. Turkish Cypriots criticized the “government” and Turkey for trying to change the “constitutionally” established secular education system. Turkish Cypriots and press shared images of the changes in textbooks on social media under captions “Don’t touch my secular education!” In September, the “Basic Education Project” composed of teachers, researchers, and academic staff who prepared previous textbook content filed a “lawsuit” against the “ministry of education” for violating copyright regulations.

According to online reports in November, the president of the Turkish Cypriot Secondary Education Teacher’s Union urged Cypriot “authorities” to implement measures to stop religious interference in schools, citing footage of school children allegedly reciting Islamic prayers and kissing the Quran.

The Alevi Culture Association reported Alevi children in the Turkish Cypriot-administered area continued to receive mandatory Sunni Islamic religious instruction for grades four through eight at public and private schools and could not opt out of these courses.

During the year, the “religious affairs department” appointed and funded between 220 and 230 imam positions at 225 Sunni mosques in the Turkish Cypriot-administered area. The Turkish government appointed the Mufti in the Turkish Cypriot-administered area, Ahmet Unsal, in 2021.

Greek Orthodox religious groups continued to report Turkish Cypriot “authorities” placed religious items, including icons, in storage rooms or displayed them in museums. Greek Orthodox leaders emphasized their desire to inventory and assess religious items stored at holy sites in the Turkish Cypriot-administered area and requested the return of the items to the Church of Cyprus.

Unlike in previous years, representatives of the Jewish community in the government-controlled area reported ROC authorities did not perform autopsies on deceased members of the community for deaths that were not suspicious, a practice they said violated Jewish religious beliefs and practice, because no such deaths occurred during the year. In previous years, the Jewish community reported they resorted to courts to prevent autopsies that conflicted with their religious beliefs. According to ROC law, the state pathologist determines which deaths require autopsies.

Jewish representatives reported that ROC Department of Veterinary Services officials continued to deny exemptions from the requirement of Jewish law to stun animals before slaughter following a 2019 department decision to discontinue exemptions for religious slaughter. The Jewish community reported it was able to import kosher meat from other EU countries, although at a significantly higher cost than if it were locally available. A Muslim community representative reported the community did not face difficulties accessing halal meat.

According to media reports, during a meeting on June 7, the Chief Rabbi of Israel, David Lau, asked ROC President Christodoulides to remedy some of the challenges faced by the Jewish community in Cyprus, namely the lack of practical legislation to accommodate the activities of the Chief Rabbinate of Cyprus, such as authorization to register Jewish marriages in the national civil registry, making kosher meat available and affordable, and supporting the community’s educational and cultural projects. The office of the Chief Rabbi of Cyprus reported authorities did not respond to any of these requests by year’s end.

Previous agreements between the rabbi presiding over Jewish community members in the Turkish Cypriot-administered area and local farmers resulted in continued access to locally slaughtered kosher meat.

The military continued to require recruits to take part in a common prayer led by Church of Cyprus clergy during swearing-in ceremonies. Recruits of other faiths, atheists, and those who did not wish to take the oath for reasons of conscience could refrain from raising their hand during the ceremony. They instead recited a pledge of allegiance at a separate gathering.

Abuses Involving Discrimination or Unequal Treatment

Media reported in June that the Metropolitan Bishop of Paphos Tychikos instructed parish priests in his diocese not to permit the burial of Muslim or other non-Greek Orthodox deceased in cemeteries managed by local Greek Orthodox churches. Acting on a complaint submitted by Jehovah’s Witnesses in 2021 that some municipalities refused to allow the burial of their adherents in municipal cemeteries, the ombudsman reviewed the input of implicated municipalities and of the MOI, as well as the legal opinion of the Attorney General of the Republic. In September, the ombudsman requested additional information and clarification from the MOI. The ministry’s response was pending at year’s end.

According to press reports in July, Mehmet Erol Muavili, a bus driver who was transporting tourists to the Apostolos Andreas Monastery, posted a video of himself pursuing the monastery’s Christian Orthodox priest, confronting him, and reciting Islamic prayers including the kalima shahadah (the Muslim Declaration of Faith). Muavili removed the video after backlash from both Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriots. The Turkish Cypriot “interior minister,” Dursun Oguz, said authorities submitted a formal complaint with “police” to initiate legal action against the bus driver. The investigation continued through year’s end.

According to multiple media reports, on November 27, Rabbi Azimov, who presided over an estimated 150 Jewish faithful in the Turkish Cypriot-administered area, departed Cyprus with his family, citing increasing hostility toward the Jewish community after Hamas’ October 7 terrorist attack on Israel. His departure followed calls on social media by National Unity Party “parliamentarian” Yasemin Ozturk for the shutdown of the local Jewish Center (Chabad Lubovitch of North Cyprus, or Chabad Center) and Rabbi Azimov’s deportation. Famagusta Municipality authorities later ordered the sign adorning the Chabad Center covered, citing missing permits for the center’s activities. At a December 9 demonstration outside the Chabad Center called by Ozturk, a small group of Turkish Cypriots and the local mukhtar (official neighborhood chief) said the center was working to construct a “Zionist structure” through its ownership of “countless” properties. Protesters carried photographs of Rabbi Azimov and Palestinian flags. Opposition Turkish Cypriot media outlets criticized Ozturk for what they termed a racist and antisemitic protest through Ozturk’s social media posts, which media outlets said incited racist comments from the online Turkish Cypriot community.

On December 11, a police spokesperson confirmed press reports that on November 3, ROC authorities arrested two Iranians on suspicion of planning attacks on potential Israeli and Jewish sites in Cyprus. The suspects were in police custody at year’s end, pending deportation. In June, the newspaper Jerusalem Post and local media reported that the government (with Israeli intelligence support) arrested two Iranians who were plotting to attack Israelis in Cyprus.

Other Developments Affecting Religious Freedom

Media outlets reported that on August 26, an unidentified individual threw two improvised explosive devices at the entrance and walls of Limassol’s Kuprulu Mosque, causing limited damage. Authorities immediately repaired the damage and police investigated the incident, which was caught on closed-circuit television. President Nikos Christodoulides publicly condemned the attack. The police investigation of the incident continued through year’s end.