Friday's vote by the Cypriot Parliament was in favor of a law that would place life imprisonment on those who commit feminicides. Domestic violence is increasing on the Mediterranean island.
Annita Demetriou (the first woman to lead the Cypriot Parliament) proposed the bill and it was approved by 38 votes for and 4 against.
According to police data, the island, which is a member of Europe's Union and has a population of approximately one million people, has seen 20 feminicides over three years. A month ago, an 84-year old man shot and killed his 82 year-old wife in Limassol, the southernmost city.
According to police, there were nine femicides in Cyprus in 2019, including five by a serial killer, who was sentenced for life imprisonment. His victims included two young girls.
According to the same source, violence against women is on the rise. It has increased by 67% between 2020-2021.
