The Republic of Cyprus agreed to pay 5,000 euros in order to repeal a provision of the Criminal Code that has been in force since the time of British colonial rule. It provides for criminal liability for women’s participation in dancing or singing at Muslim celebrations and effectively equates some performers with prostitutes.

The authorities agreed to change the legislation after an application to the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR). It is noteworthy that the existence of such outdated provisions of the Criminal Code has long been known. They have repeatedly become the subject of research and have been mentioned in various reports, yet they continued to remain part of the current legislation.

The subject of the proceedings in the ECHR was Article 97 of the Criminal Code of Cyprus, which regulates the participation of women in dance and musical performances at Muslim celebrations. According to the first paragraph of the article, a person who organizes a Muslim celebration, is responsible for its conduct, or owns the premises in which it takes place commits a criminal offense if he hires a dancer or knowingly allows her to dance or sing during the event.

A fine of up to 75 pounds sterling or imprisonment for up to one month is provided for the violation.

The second paragraph of the article contains a definition of the term “dancer.” It means a prostitute or a woman who, for remuneration, dances or sings at a Muslim celebration. At the same time, a “Muslim celebration” is defined as a celebration organized on the occasion of a wedding or circumcision. Thus, the provision not only restricts the holding of traditional celebrations but also uses wording that equates women performing for a fee with prostitutes.

The applicant in the case “Ziya v. Cyprus” was a Muslim living in Larnaca. The man wanted to organize a traditional Muslim celebration with Ottoman dances and music on the occasion of his daughter’s wedding. However, the current article of the Criminal Code created a risk of criminal prosecution for him, including the possibility of imprisonment.

In September 2026, the case was settled by concluding a friendly settlement. The Republic of Cyprus agreed to pay the applicant 5,000 euros and undertook to change the legislation. After the settlement of the dispute, the Ministry of Justice last Thursday submitted a bill to parliament providing for the repeal of the contested provision.

Source: en.politis.com.cy