The Cyprus Journalists’ Union condemns the “unethical attack” by Michalis Paraskevas, a member of parliament from the “Alma” Movement, against journalist Frixos Dalitis, the Cyprus Journalists’ Union denounces this and emphasizes that it is reasonable, legitimate, and necessary for those in the public sphere who speak publicly to be subject to public criticism.”

“This rule applies to politicians, journalists, and everyone else alike. Criticism is the lifeblood of democracy, provided it is substantiated and expressed with decorum.”

In a written statement, the ESK describes that in a podcast titled “Netcast Zone,” which was posted online on July 13, 2026, journalist Frixos Dalitis was subjected to “unethical, unsubstantiated, and sweeping attack—filled with insults, disparagement, and sarcasm—from ALMA party MP Michalis Paraskevas.”

“The Board of Directors of the Cyprus Journalists’ Union notes with regret that the MP in question characterized our colleague F. Dalitis as ‘puppet-like’ and a ‘propagandist’ serving ‘political expediency.’ These extremely serious accusations are baseless, unsubstantiated, sweeping, and deeply offensive. It is unacceptable—and contrary to all ethics and professional standards—to tarnish the professional career of a journalist with twenty years of experience in the field in such a thoughtless and frivolous manner. M. Paraskevas’s allegations border on harassment and must be retracted immediately. The leadership of the ALMA party must take a stand. Does it condone this behavior, which grossly violates political decorum?”

The Union explains that “MP Paraskevas’s provocation was not limited to his colleague Dalitis; it extended, in the same categorical and unsubstantiated manner, to the claim: ‘There are journalists who are being directed.’

“He even threw down the gauntlet to our union: ‘Let the Union of Editors come forward to complain that this is not true. Mr. George Fragos, give me a problem!’ The Cyprus Journalists’ Union is a serious organization with seven decades of experience behind it. The CJA’s Board of Directors will not resort to name-calling or condemnations, even though the provocation is significant. Anyone who has complaints against journalists regarding a specific piece of work is free to appeal to the competent institutional bodies, within the framework of the journalistic profession’s self-regulation, in order to assert whatever rights they believe they have.”

Listen to the podcast in question: