Dialogos

Public Figures and Social Media: Tolerance of Criticism as a Democratic Principle

Published January 16, 2026, 08:04
Public Figures and Social Media: Tolerance of Criticism as a Democratic Principle

The sending of a pre-trial protocol by First Lady Philippa Karsera to remove posts on social media has sparked intense debate. Her lawyer, Achilleas Aimilianides, defended the decision, emphasizing the right of every professional to protect their reputation from defamatory posts. In contrast, AKEL MP Aristos Damianou argued that public figures should demonstrate greater tolerance of criticism, especially in a democratic society. The case is linked to the recent corruption scandal surrounding the Independent Social Support Fund, of which Ms. Karsera was president.