The need for “exemplary punishment” of those involved in the incident of public humiliation and exploitation of a person with a disability, images of which were circulated on social media on Monday, was highlighted by the Commissioner for Administration and the Protection of Human Rights, Maria Stylianou Lottidi, in a written statement on Tuesday, noting that the State has a duty to protect people with disabilities from any form of degrading treatment.

In her statement, the Commissioner refers to an incident involving images which, as she notes, were leaked on social media on Monday, the anniversary of the Turkish invasion. As she states, in these images, “an innocent person, likely a teenager,” is alleged to have been made “the object of a prank” by others.

Ms. Lottidi states that the complaint was forwarded to her office and that she immediately contacted the Chief of Police to have the case investigated. She adds that she was informed the complaint is being investigated.

“And then what?” she asks, arguing that the incident highlights deeper issues regarding society’s attitude toward people with disabilities.

“The arrogance continues; the power of the authority figure, derived from a sense of normality, is shattered in the face of the vulnerable, the weakest, the innocent,” she states.

The Commissioner speaks of a “double crime,” noting that this is not only behavior that “perpetuates prejudices and stereotypes,” but also an abuse of the trust of a person with a disability.

“The trust shown by two unsuspecting eyes is being abused, encouraging the imitation of harmful practices at the expense of people with disabilities,” she notes.

At the same time, he invokes the obligations of the Republic of Cyprus under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, pointing out that the state is required to take effective measures to combat stereotypes, prejudices, and harmful practices, as well as to prevent all forms of degrading treatment and exploitation of persons with disabilities.

Questioning whether existing institutional safeguards are sufficient, Ms. Lottidi argues that until there is “exemplary punishment,” justice for the victims remains elusive. As she notes, “it seems that the ‘powerful’ of this world hold the opposite view,” adding that the path to justice is a “thorn” for those awaiting redress.

“Exemplary punishment is imperative and indisputable,” she states, calling on the State “to join forces and authorities” so that incidents that violate human dignity are not repeated.

In conclusion, the Commissioner calls for zero tolerance toward such behavior, urging society “to speak up for those who have no voice.”

SOURCE: CNA