If you or a relative is arrested
The key rights of a person arrested in Cyprus and what to do straight away. For urgent help, call us.
Your key rights
Under the Constitution of the Republic of Cyprus and the Rights of Persons Arrested and Detained Law of 2005 (Law 163(I)/2005), as in force, a person who is arrested has, among others, the right:
- to be told promptly, in a language they understand, the reasons for the arrest;
- to contact a lawyer of their choice and speak to the lawyer in private before questioning;
- to have a person of their choice informed of the arrest;
- to an interpreter if they do not understand the language of the proceedings;
- to be examined by a doctor;
- if they are a foreign national, to have their embassy or consulate informed;
- not to make statements that may incriminate them.
An arrested person must be brought before a judge as soon as possible and in any case within 24 hours of the arrest (Article 11 of the Constitution). The Court may order remand in custody for investigation for up to eight days at a time and for no more than three months in total.
What to do
- Stay calm and do not resist the arrest.
- Ask clearly to speak to a lawyer before you answer any question.
- Do not sign a statement or any document you do not fully understand.
- Ask for a relative or friend to be informed.
- If you need medical care or medication, say so straight away.
If a relative has been arrested
Call us and, as far as possible, have ready: the person's full name, the police station where they are held, the time of the arrest and, if you know it, the offence being investigated.
The information above is general and does not replace a lawyer's advice on your specific situation.