Cyprus Justice Ministry Prepares Law on Compensation for Prolonged Criminal Proceedings

The Ministry of Justice and Public Order has submitted for public consultation a draft law entitled “On Effective Legal Remedies for Violation of the Right to a Hearing of a Criminal Case Within a Reasonable Time (2026)”.

The document provides for the right to claim compensation both after a final court decision has been issued and during ongoing proceedings — if the case is being delayed. In addition, the issue of a rights violation may be raised directly within the framework of the current trial.

The draft law aims to align national legislation with Article 30 of the Constitution of Cyprus and Articles 6.1 and 13 of the European Convention on Human Rights, which guarantee the right to a fair trial within a reasonable time.

Claims may be filed by individuals whose criminal cases are being or were examined by courts of first instance, the Court of Appeal, or the Supreme Court — regardless of whether the proceedings have been completed or are still ongoing.

For cases that have already been concluded, the competent authority will be determined depending on the instance:

• for cases from courts of first instance — the administrative president of one of the district courts (provided they did not participate in examining the specific case);
• for cases from the Court of Appeal — a judge or judges appointed by the Supreme Court;
• for cases from the Supreme Court — a judge or judges of that court.

The provisions also apply to cases that were discontinued, withdrawn, suspended, as well as to instances of acquittal or discharge of the accused without a full trial.