5 Minute News

The scheduled protest by the livestock farmers has been canceled following government intervention and calls for dialogue. Farmers expressed their satisfaction with the authorities' willingness to listen to their issues. They have been given a week to review their requests. The protest's suspension is made in the hope of finding meaningful solutions for the livestock sector. Farmers will remain vigilant regarding future developments.

The Joker draw took place on May 7, 2026, with at least €9,200,000 available for the lucky winners. The drawn numbers are 15, 38, 23, 41, 14, and the Joker number is 11. Draws occur every Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday at 10:00 PM. Players eagerly await the results every time. Participating in the draws increases the chance of winning.

An 85-year-old woman with disabilities became trapped in an elevator in Kifisia and was retrieved unconscious. She was alone and appears to have been stuck between the elevator car and the doors. A total of 13 firefighters with 4 vehicles, alongside volunteers, were involved in the rescue operation. The incident raised concerns in the local community about safety for individuals with disabilities. It highlights the importance of ensuring accessible facilities.

A new conflict has arisen between ELAM and Accept LGBTI, sparked by an ELAM billboard opposing adoption by same-sex couples. Stefanos Evangelides from Accept mentioned that the issue has been brought to the Commissioner for Children's Rights and they are awaiting a response. The billboard is located near schools, raising concerns about its impact on children. ELAM responded by asserting that freedom of expression should not be suppressed and criticized attempts to silence them. They also emphasized the importance of children's rights and their perspectives.

An Israeli has been diagnosed with hantavirus after staying in Eastern Europe. His condition is stable and he has not required hospitalization. Hantavirus is primarily transmitted by rodents, with initial symptoms resembling those of a common virus. Health authorities in the UK and USA are on alert due to cases on a cruise ship. The WHO assesses that the risk to the general population remains low.

A military man is accused of serious offenses against his wife, including two instances of rape and assault. The trial was scheduled for today but was postponed due to the defendant's absence for professional duties abroad. The case will be re-examined next week, where he will have the opportunity to respond to the charges. The charges are serious and relate to the nature of the offenses, leading to the criminal court. The military man is serving in a specific ministry.

Uriel Curtis, an investor who purchased a large part of Trozena, claims he is in love with the village. He emphasizes that he did not buy the church, which remains off the market. The community leader, Yiannakis Yiannakis, confirms that the church belongs to the Paphos metropolis. Curtis aims to create a relaxation space and develop the area with infrastructure, such as a winery and 60 rooms. The development will comply with the laws of the Republic of Cyprus and environmental regulations.

Justice Minister Costas Fitsiris stated that farmers will not be allowed to close the Rizoelia roundabout during their planned protest. The police have been given strict orders to ensure traffic is not disrupted. The Minister emphasized that while the right to protest is respected, it should not affect other citizens. A meeting will take place this afternoon at the Larnaca Police Department to establish measures. Previous police actions faced challenges, raising questions about the effectiveness of these measures.

The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) condemned the Republic of Cyprus for violating the right to a fair trial of Kostas Konstantinou, who was unable to appeal his non-promotion decision. This ruling overturns a previous decision by the Supreme Constitutional Court. The ECHR did not award compensation for moral damages but recognized that the violation itself constitutes adequate satisfaction. Konstantinou was awarded €13,887.60 for legal fees. This marks the first condemnation of the Republic of Cyprus by the ECHR concerning the judiciary after recent reforms.

Young students from Bangladesh set up an illegal operation in Famagusta with fake rental agreements. The police have dismantled the gang that supplied foreigners with these fake documents. The arrested individuals received payments ranging from €100 to €250 per document. At least 10 students had purchased these documents to register at colleges in Cyprus. The perpetrators are scheduled to appear in court on May 15, 2026.

The upcoming parliamentary elections will feature well-known personalities from various fields, including sports and culture. Among the 753 candidates, there are actors, journalists, and former athletes who have made significant contributions to Cypriot society. Christoforos Christoforou, a former actor, is supported by DISY, while former basketball player Michalis Kounounis is running in Limassol. Other candidates include journalists such as Georgios Chrysanthou and Konstantinos Konstantinou. Some of these candidacies have piqued public interest.

The Minister of Agriculture announced compensation amounts for farmers affected by foot-and-mouth disease, totaling €35.6 million. Compensation for sheep and goats, as well as cattle, has significantly increased, with farmers receiving amounts up to 150%-200% higher than European levels. In addition to compensation for culled animals, advances are provided for income loss and payments for milk and animal feed. The government aims to effectively support farmers and streamline the compensation process. The new compensation rates were deemed necessary, as initial amounts were considered low in relation to the needs of the farms.

The livestock farmers have decided to remain indefinitely at the Rizoelia roundabout as a protest against their targeting through fines for illegal parking. They accuse the police of unlawfully charging them during a previous protest. The representative of the association, Stella Petrou, emphasized that their request for communication with the authorities has been ignored. They expect a large turnout for the scheduled peaceful protest the next day. Lastly, the farmers seek support from the public for their efforts.

The Supreme Court granted lawyer Nikos Kliridis permission to seek the annulment of the search warrant executed on his properties. The court president found that his case had legal merits. There was insufficient evidence proving his involvement in the investigated crimes. A potential violation of attorney-client privilege was also noted. However, his requests to prevent the police from holding the evidence were denied.

An incident occurred at the Central Prisons where a guard fired warning shots. This happened after the police received a report about a suspicious person in the area. The shots did not result in any injuries and involved two warning shots. The individual was found to be illegally present in the Republic and stated he came from the occupied areas. He was subsequently taken to the Pournara Reception Center.

A 54-year-old man, Kostas Parasyris, shot and killed 21-year-old Nikitas Yemistos with six bullets, stemming from an ongoing feud. This was not the first time Parasyris attempted to harm Yemistos, but it ended fatally. Following the murder, he surrendered to the police along with his wife, who is also charged with complicity. Authorities are investigating the case and have collected evidence from the crime scene. The perpetrator faces serious charges, and the community is shocked by the incident.

A 51-year-old man was sentenced to 7 years in prison for the rape and abuse of his estranged wife. The incidents occurred in a hotel in Paphos in 2025. The defendant denied the charges and forced the victim to relive the traumatic events. The court found him guilty of rape, sexual harassment, and physical violence. The case has shocked the local community.

Cypriots prefer slot machines at casinos, while foreign customers tend to play at gaming tables. In 2025, there were 1191 slot machines and 107 gaming tables in the country's casinos. The increase in revenues from gaming tables is significant due to the operation of the resort casino in Limassol, which attracts international clients. Despite preferences, the revenue categories are close, with slots maintaining a slight lead. In 2025, revenue percentages were 53% for slots and 47% for tables.

Many medical supplies were removed from the GESY lists due to fraud by a supplier. The organization discovered that the supplier delivered products from a different manufacturer than what was contracted. The case is under investigation by the Health Insurance Organization and the police. Additionally, on-site checks have been conducted in hospitals to gather more information regarding the fraud. The supplier has lost its contract with the OAY due to this practice.

There are significant developments regarding the establishment of the Organized Crime Division in Cyprus, referred to as the Cypriot FBI. Minister of Justice, Costas Fytiris, aims for the unit to be operational as soon as possible. A building has been found for the new service, and necessary personnel transfers have taken place. The new agency will draw on expertise from the Greek model, with close collaboration between the ministries of Cyprus and Greece. The goal is to effectively combat organized crime and corruption.

The electrification and water supply of the abandoned community of Troezena will cost about €370,000, with the investor covering half of the expenses. Citizens will pay for the infrastructure, as benefits will also go to homeowners. The community has never had electricity, which contributed to its abandonment. Additionally, the investor will improve roads and maintain the local church. The development is expected to create more jobs and boost the area.

The election time is approaching in Cyprus, with the submission of candidacies now completed. The impressive number of candidates and electoral groups reflects the fluidity of the political scene. Parties such as DISY, AKEL, and DIKO are working to rally their traditional voters. Meanwhile, new parties aim to enter the Parliament and influence the future of politics in Cyprus. The pre-election period has officially begun with intensity and expectations.

The case against George Koumas, former president of the Cyprus Football Federation, will begin trial in 2026 after years of delays. He faces 25 charges related to incompatibility and money laundering activities. The trial is set for November 23, 2026. The delays are attributed to the workload of the District Court and lengthy legal procedures. His defense is planning further legal action regarding a property freezing order valued at €3.4 million.