An artist's online pictures caused a strange political problem in Cyprus. This happened before Christmas. The pictures were by artist Mr. George Gavriel. Later, a leader from the ELAM party shared them. This situation makes people wonder about ELAM's choices. It also questions their understanding of art and politics.
Mr. Gavriel's pictures were posted online. Mr. Efthymios Diplaros, a deputy leader of ELAM, saw them. He then reposted the pictures. Reports say he did not check where they came from. He also did not check their main message. This caused much confusion. It especially affected the DISY party. The artwork seemed to be about DISY.
ELAM has received strong criticism. Artists and political writers are unhappy. They think Mr. Diplaros shared the art to help ELAM. He used the art to show ELAM as a defender of national values. These values are "homeland, religion, and family." He used them to criticize other parties like DISY.
This situation reminds people of something Mr. Diplaros said before. In 2015, after attacks in France, he supported freedom of expression. Now, his actions with Mr. Gavriel's art seem different. There are also old claims that he congratulated someone for freeing a "paedophile." These claims affect how people see his judgment.
Mr. Gavriel's pictures gave ELAM a way to speak. Critics say ELAM did not thank the artist. They think ELAM's leader, Annita, should have been grateful. They believe Mr. Gavriel helped ELAM seem like a "protector."
The story uses religious ideas to show Mr. Diplaros's actions. This suggests his belief might have been wrong. It shows a political culture that wants quick advantages. ELAM's leaders did not see the art's many meanings. They only saw politics. This is a big mistake. This event shows how art and politics mix in Cyprus.