Legal framework underway to curb radicalisation

Cyprus is currently working on a legal framework to prevent internet posts aimed at radicalising viewers, Minister of Justice Anna Procopiou said.

Procopiou said the law aims to provide for immediate shut-down of posts soon as a complaint is made.

The minister made her statements in the context of the EU ministerial council taking place in Brussels on Tuesday, during which issues of security and prevention of terrorism and radicalisation were discussed.

In her statements after the end of the second day of the meeting, Procopiou noted that the discussion concerns issues of internal and national security arising from developments in Ukraine and the Middle East.

All member states about the possibility of terrorist attacks, which forces member states to heighten their security measures, the minister said.

Calling the discussion “intense” the minister said internet proselytising for converts who end up committing acts of terrorism loomed big on the agenda.

The discussion focused on how to “harmonise prevention” within the EU as soon as possible, of activity such as the posting of terrorist content and encouragement of such acts, and recruitment into terrorist organisations, the minister said.

“We have passed [beyond the limits of] public order […] the police in Cyprus and in other states, as a security force, is now focusing on issues of public security not just public order,” the minister noted.