5 Minute News

Human bones were discovered in the community of Trois Elies, near Limassol, about 100 meters from the local cemetery. Among the findings were parts of a jaw and rib bones. Authorities have secured the area and investigations are ongoing by the Morfou police. One possible explanation is that the bones were exhumed during the burial process of another body and not reinterred properly. The situation is being closely monitored by an anthropologist and the authorities.

Lisbon has been named the most colorful city in the world, achieving the highest score in the ranking. A study analyzed thousands of images from various cities and evaluated their color variety. Lisbon recorded over 2.6 million unique colors, while Porto ranks third. The study emphasizes the importance of color aesthetics in travel experiences. The top 10 colorful cities also include Kuala Lumpur, Cartagena, and Rio de Janeiro.

The day is significant for the parliamentary elections taking place on Sunday, May 24, with 753 candidates. Notable are the personalities proposing or supporting the candidates, including Despoina Bempedeli and Giorgos Savvidis. There are also endorsements from former ministers and well-known public figures. The candidate list was submitted at the Cultural Foundation 'Archangelos'. Overall, the candidates come from diverse backgrounds.

At the candidate submission hall for the parliamentary elections in Nicosia, candidates exchanged handshakes and sent a message of unity. Averof Neofytou and Giorgos Pamboridis took photos together, while AKEL and DIKO candidates met and greeted warmly. The Greens showcased their candidate Adonis Giakou accompanied by his dog. The atmosphere was optimistic and friendly, with many symbolic gestures among the candidates. Notable was the presence of former football players supporting candidates.

Ted Turner, the founder of CNN, has died at the age of 87. He was known for his dynamic personality and his contributions to the development of cable television. In addition to his business ventures, he was active in humanitarian and environmental initiatives. He created the animated series Captain Planet to raise children's awareness of environmental issues. He leaves behind five children and 14 grandchildren.

A 26-year-old man was sentenced to six years in prison for drug trafficking in Limassol. He admitted to possessing significant amounts of cocaine and cannabis for a two-month period. During the search, drugs, scales, and cash were found. The court emphasized the need for strict sentences against such criminal activities. His case highlights the severity of the drug trafficking situation.

In the parliamentary elections scheduled for May 24, 2026, 753 candidates have submitted their nominations, which is an increase of 100 compared to the previous elections. Out of these, 744 belong to party alliances and 9 are independent candidates. 70.3% of the candidates are men, while 29.7% are women. In the Nicosia district, a total of 261 nominations were submitted from 18 party alliances and 4 independent candidates. The candidates are competing for a seat in the Parliament.

A complaint has been forwarded to a committee regarding a police officer accused of harassing his subordinate. The complaint involves communications that were perceived as harassing. The officer received a short leave after the report. The police confirmed that the matter is under investigation. The Equality Committee of the Police has taken on the examination of the report.

Two brothers from Ohio posed as Middle Eastern emirs and committed fraud amounting to $21 million. Zubair and Muzammil al Zubair were sentenced to 24 and 23 years in prison, respectively. A former assistant to the mayor of East Cleveland acted as their accomplice. They created fake identities and portrayed a lavish lifestyle to deceive their victims. Their schemes included luxurious trips and false promises of investment opportunities.

Mr. Spyros wanted to submit his candidacy but lacked the 500 euros for the fee. He asked for help from MEP Feidias Panagiotou but did not receive any money. Despite his disappointment, Mr. Spyros continued to express his concerns to journalists. He ultimately gained the support of candidates from the Direct Democracy party. During his presence, he received warm applause.

A tragedy struck in Aegina, where a 20-month-old girl choked at home on a piece of tsoureki. Her parents rushed her to the Aegina Health Center in a panic. Doctors made enormous efforts to save her, but her condition worsened. She was urgently transferred to Piraeus, where resuscitation attempts continued. Unfortunately, despite all efforts, the little girl did not survive and her death was pronounced.

Donald Trump issued a stern message to Iran, linking the de-escalation of tensions to compliance with agreed terms. If Iran adheres to the agreements, the 'Epic Wrath' operation will end and the Strait of Hormuz will remain open. However, Trump warns that if they do not comply, bombings will resume with greater scale and intensity. Overall, he delivers a clear warning about the repercussions of non-compliance. This message is part of an ongoing geopolitical situation.

Kostas Nikolaou, 38, faces charges for assaulting a referee during a soccer match. The incident occurred at the Psevda Community Stadium on May 2, 2026. The court set a bail of 5,000 euros and banned him from entering sports facilities. The case is scheduled to be heard on June 16, 2026. The accused was arrested and held temporarily prior to the hearing.

Christakis Rotsidis, an independent candidate for parliament at the age of 89, expressed his desire to get elected solely on his own merit. He filed his candidacy as a musician and paid the required fee of 500 euros. He emphasizes that the Cypriot issue is one of invasion and occupation. When asked about his age, he humorously responded that he has been the same since the day he was born. His candidacy reflects the possibility of citizen involvement regardless of age.

Andreas Efstathiou is an independent candidate in the Paphos electoral district, running for the 35th time. He has participated in numerous elections in the past, including presidential and European elections. He expresses concern over social inequalities and focuses on the rights of the poor and large families. Despite never being elected, he states that he gains experiences and engages with the citizens each time. His dedication to the community is evident, highlighting his continuous presence with them.

Fotis Fotiou, a candidate from the Direct Democracy party and a police officer, announced his candidacy with a traditional poem. His message is filled with optimism for the future of Direct Democracy. He aims to inspire citizens and emphasize his desire for the party to emerge first. The announcement was made in a positive atmosphere, focusing on hope and solidarity. Fotiou wishes the citizens not to underestimate him and assures them he will be seen in the Parliament.

In the 2026 elections, independent candidates are participating, with some changing their minds at the last minute. Larry Glen Ferguson decided not to submit his candidacy after all. Meanwhile, Konstantinos Mavrommatis highlights issues of social justice and corruption. Alexis Makridis focuses on the national issue of Cyprus and strategic cooperation with Greece. Also contesting is 89-year-old Christakis Rotsidis, who expresses his desire to be elected through his own efforts.

Former president of the Cyprus Football Association, Georgios Koumas, pleaded not guilty to 25 charges at the District Court of Nicosia. The proceedings started late, although they were scheduled for an earlier time. His defense claimed they were notified of the time change. The charges include conflict of interest and money laundering. Additionally, a request was filed to annul an order that freezes Koumas's property worth €3.4 million.

During the candidate submission process, two candidates were seen accompanied by their dogs. Adonis Yiangou and Stefanos Stefanu added a lighter atmosphere to the electoral proceedings. Yiangou's dog, Sky, has also participated in previous elections. Their presence brought a unique touch to the seriousness of the electoral process.

During the live broadcast of 'Loukanikos', Christophoros Tornaritis made some remarks about Feidias. TikTokers from the Direct Democracy movement were present at the nominations in Nicosia. 'Loukanikos' and Tornaritis exchanged a few wishes and jokes in a brief discussion. Tornaritis, however, did not hold back from expressing his grievances once again. He also had a short conversation with Alekos Tryfonidis, exchanging best wishes for success.

On Wednesday morning, a concern arose at the Limassol Court when a bag containing suspicious drugs was found on the stairs leading to the Criminal Courts. Authorities were immediately informed, and the police cordoned off the area for further investigation. The Limassol Drug Law Enforcement Unit took over the case and will examine the contents of the bag. Investigations are ongoing to determine how the suspicious bag passed through security checks. This incident could have serious implications for the judicial process.

During this period, many high school students choose to stay home to prepare intensively for their exams. The school year is nearing its end, with classes finishing next week. Seniors are preparing for the nationwide exams starting in June. Middle schools still have a few days of classes before their exams. The new school year will begin in September 2026.

There is a crowd outside the District Administration of Paphos this morning as the submission of candidacies for the 2026 elections has begun. Many candidates and their supporters gathered in the square, creating an electoral atmosphere. The procedures for submitting candidacies are set, and the officials are ready. People formed groups discussing the elections. Activity is high as elections approach.

Today is significant for potential parliamentary candidates for the term 2026-2031, as the official submission of candidacies has begun. The parliamentary elections are scheduled for Sunday, May 24, and more than 745 candidacies are expected, setting a record for Cyprus. Each candidacy is submitted in writing and must be signed by four voters. The process has already started and will conclude by 12:30 p.m., with notable developments across all provinces.

In Crete, shocking developments unfolded as Kostas Parasyris and his wife were arrested following the murder of 21-year-old Nikitas Gemistos. Parasyris allegedly believed Nikitas was responsible for the death of his son in a traffic accident. The tragic incident occurred in Ammoudara, where the assailant shot Nikitas four to five times. The events were captured by security cameras, causing panic in the area. The local community is shocked by the violence and circumstances surrounding the ambush.

Donald Trump announced the temporary halt of the 'Project Freedom' operation in the Strait of Hormuz due to progress in negotiations with Iran and at the request of other countries like Pakistan. The decision was made to assess the possibility of reaching an agreement with Tehran. Despite this halt, the naval blockade remains in effect. This move is part of broader diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions in the region. The U.S. Secretary of State noted that the U.S. will continue to operate defensively.

The Ecofin Council discussed enhancing cooperation among EU member states to combat VAT fraud. This fraud, known as missing trader and carousel fraud, costs billions of euros annually. Finance Minister Makis Keraunos stated that immediate actions are needed to protect revenues. The new regulations will facilitate faster access to information for investigations and prosecutions. The aim is to digitize VAT reporting processes by 2030.

The nomination process for the 2026 parliamentary elections is underway. Out of 10 cases reviewed by the Legal Service, 9 have been approved without legal issues. However, there remains uncertainty regarding a nomination from ELAM, which is still under investigation. To be eligible, candidates must meet specific constitutional criteria. After the nomination submission, there will be a 24-hour period for objections.

An Israeli company plans to develop 60 housing units, a campsite, and a winery in the abandoned community of Trozena in Limassol. The application for a building permit has been submitted and has sparked upheaval and debate within the local community. Although the population of Trozena was small in the past, these new developments may attract tourists and boost the local economy. The area is designated for residential use, and the new constructions will primarily occur within the former inhabited area. This proposal is expected to significantly change the appearance of the village.

Today is the final day for submitting candidacies for the parliamentary elections, with 745 candidates expected to contest the 56 seats in Parliament. Political parties are focusing on organizing election campaigns and mobilizing voters. The candidacy submission process is taking place in various locations in each district. In the Nicosia district, 262 candidates are expected, while a total of 4 candidates will come from religious groups. The candidacy submission process is crucial for the electoral procedure.

The Minister of Agriculture has announced a new decree to combat foot-and-mouth disease to protect livestock. The measures include a ban on the movement of animals and restrictions on the movement of animal feed and equipment. Additionally, the exit of animals for grazing and social gatherings on farms is prohibited. Despite the bans, exceptions are made for slaughter and other special needs. The aim of this measure is to curb the spread of the virus in free areas.

The Health Services Organization is investigating serious complaints from the family of an elderly patient regarding her treatment in a public hospital. The woman exhibited severe distress, and her relatives were called to care for her as the medical staff claimed they were exhausted. The family reported that the patient was in a delirious state and had suffered physical harm. Her condition deteriorated due to inadequate care and the staff's failure to act promptly. This case has raised significant concerns about the hospital's practices.

The police have received over 60 testimonies regarding the 'Santis' case, with more potentially being collected as needed. The investigation is looking forward to conclusions from Europol and the FBI. So far, all claims have been examined, and no supporting evidence has been found. The testimony revealed that the 45-year-old relied on fabrications to draw attention. The investigation is nearly complete, and findings are expected soon.