The police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of George Mazonakis by analyzing a digital file from the machine used during his treatment. The machine was activated at 14:14, but blood exchange had not yet begun. At 15:22, the first critical pause of the system's operation was recorded. Authorities are looking into the reasons behind the multiple alerts that followed. The timeline of the treatment and the responses of the attending doctors are key points in the investigation.
The President of the Republic of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides, confirmed that €25 million for the Great Sea Interconnector (GSI) will be paid once the Navtex is issued. He mentioned an agreement with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis regarding this payment. Christodoulides supported Finance Minister Makis Keravnos concerning his concerns about the project's viability. He stated there are no disputes between Cyprus and Greece regarding the project. He also noted attempts to create the impression that problems exist in their relations.
Doctors Ilias Theodoropoulos and Ioanna Gaga are now charged with possible manslaughter in the case of singer Giorgos Mazonakis' death. The case is moving into a more serious legal phase, with new digital evidence being gathered by the authorities. Recordings from a monitoring machine reconstruct the events that occurred during the treatment. The doctors have been summoned to explain their actions during the procedure. The upgrade of the charges was pending, waiting for new findings.
A four-year-old boy from Agios Dometios died after falling from the sixth floor of an apartment building. An autopsy confirmed that his death was due to the fall and there were no signs of abuse. The parents claim the child went to the bathroom and then climbed an open window, without them noticing. The police arrested the parents to investigate possible negligence, and the younger sibling was temporarily placed under the care of social services. Investigations into the exact circumstances of this tragedy are ongoing.
PSEM is calling on students to abstain from classes on Wednesday, September 16, due to ongoing issues in schools. They are demanding the immediate installation of air conditioners, safe infrastructure, and a reduction in curriculum content. PSEM expresses dissatisfaction with the government's failure to keep its promises. Students are demanding better conditions and that their voices are heard. The abstention will occur during the meeting of the Education Committee in Parliament.
The number of exams for public sector hiring remains unclear and will depend on available positions. Legislators are requesting clear timelines for the exams so that candidates can know when and on what material they will be tested. The Public Service Commission is suggesting the grouping of positions and appropriate specialization of exams. There are concerns about the need for repeated exams for similar positions. Legislators emphasize the need for more preparation time and timely announcements of exam content.
Nearly 40% of the applications for state compensation due to the fire in Limassol were rejected. Out of 863 applications, only 536 were approved, and the government has paid a total of €15.3 million in compensation. There were also 65 objections to the decisions, of which 35 were accepted. Additionally, there are 16 more cases pending further information. The decisions are final, and no new appeals can be submitted.
New information about the death of Georgios Mazonakis has emerged, as the plasma separation machine recorded the moment his heart stopped. This could clarify the time of the singer's death. Doctors Theodoropoulos and Gaka, who were present, have been taken to court to explain their actions. They are currently facing charges of manslaughter, though they may also face more serious charges later. The case is developing, and more evidence is expected.
The statement by Attorney General Giorgos Savvidis regarding the 'black van' investigation has raised questions. He claims that the investigation was terminated because the issues had already been investigated by law enforcement, but this position seems unsupported by facts. Reports indicate two potential conflicts of interest that could not be investigated. The investigation was completed before autumn 2021, and these matters should have been examined. The Independent Authority Against Corruption had noted that these cases were part of its preliminary investigation, which was ultimately halted.
Deputy Minister of Social Welfare, Tina Pavlou, highlighted serious deficiencies in the care of children under state protection. There are minors using drugs, such as cocaine and crystal meth, and incidents of delinquency are recorded. She called for the creation of therapeutic secure facilities for children with increased needs. The issue became more urgent due to specific abuse cases that attracted media attention. The Deputy Minister acknowledged the need for immediate solutions and support for these children.
The situation in Strovolos has become unbearable for residents due to the rising mosquito population. Health authorities identified that the cause is stagnant water created in the riverbed due to earthworks for a bridge. Spraying has been carried out to tackle the issue, and the competent authorities are urged to remove the soil. The Strovolos Municipality is aware of the situation and is taking action to address it. Residents are expressing serious concerns about this issue.
The police announced the discovery of 260 kilograms of ketamine in Limassol, following the earlier seizure of 126 kilograms. Authorities assume that the substance is the same, ketamine. Four individuals were previously arrested in connection with the case. The arrested are two couples from Palestine and Israel. The situation seems to be escalating significantly.
The Cyprus Police reported that six of the arrested individuals are charged with conspiracy to commit murder and involvement in a criminal organization. They will be deported from the country soon. Two other suspects aged 33 and 35 will appear in court today. The investigation started based on information from Denmark through Europol. The targets were two twin brothers who were planning to visit Cyprus.
The Independent Authority Against Corruption has ended the investigation into the 'black van' case. This decision came after correspondence and meetings with the Attorney General. The legal service stated that the relevant matters had already been investigated by the competent authorities. As a result, the Authority cannot proceed with conducting the investigation. The announcement emphasizes the need to avoid duplicate investigations, thereby saving public resources.
The situation along the beachfront promenade in Oroklini is dangerous due to rapid erosion. Parts of the walkway are falling apart, and new holes have opened up near homes and hotels. The municipality of Larnaca is highlighting the problem and calling on the relevant authorities to take measures for a comprehensive solution. Despite necessary repairs, the conditions continue to worsen. Local officials express their concern, as no permanent solution has been found nearly a year after recognizing the issue.
Today, the weather will be mainly clear, but in the afternoon there will be local rains and possibly thunderstorms, especially in mountainous areas. Winds will be light to moderate, with potential strengthening in coastal areas. Temperatures are expected to be around 37 degrees inland and about 29 degrees in higher altitudes. For the next couple of days, the weather will remain clear, with isolated rains anticipated mainly in mountainous regions. On Thursday, cloud cover will increase, and rains and thunderstorms may occur in various areas.
The Independent Anti-Corruption Authority is investigating the 'black van' case related to phone surveillance in Cyprus. Today, they will make an announcement regarding the progress of the investigation, as previously hinted. There are two scenarios: either they will proceed with the appointment of investigators, or the investigation will not take place for specific reasons. The involvement of the Attorney General is crucial for the case's progression. The case is linked to Israeli businessmen and the surveillance of mobile users' data.
From 2011 to the present, the European Central Bank (ECB) has implemented 14 interest rate hikes to combat inflation. The most recent phase, from 2022 to 2023, saw the most aggressive rate increases, with ten consecutive hikes raising the deposit rate from -0.50% to 4%. This shift affects mortgage rates and household disposable income. The reasons for the increases include the energy crisis and supply chain disruptions. The ECB's goal is to reduce inflation and bring prices back to target levels.
The transition from home to preschool is crucial for children and their families. The research by Iakovos Psaltis examined how parents and preschool teachers prepare children for this process. It was found that 83.3% of children adapted to preschool within three weeks. Parents, especially mothers, play a vital role in caring for and raising children during this transition. The findings highlight the importance of preparation and readiness for children entering a new educational environment.
Cyprus ranks high in the EU for issuing residence permits to third-country nationals, according to Eurostat data for 2025. The new residence permits saw an increase, with 47 permits per 1,000 residents in Cyprus, which is about five times the EU average. The main reasons for issuing permits are work and education, with education experiencing significant growth. Cyprus is enhancing its status as an educational destination for international students, positively impacting its economy. This has important implications for the education sector as well as local services and activities.
The discussion in the Environment Committee regarding activist organizations combating poaching in Cyprus has sparked controversy. ELAM lawmakers have called for an investigation into the actions of these organizations, arguing they raise public concern. However, other political parties view this approach as disparaging. A proposal to change the title to a neutral one was not approved. The main question is whether the process will strengthen the fight against poaching or target the activists.
Water losses in Cyprus are significant, with the Famagusta Water Board reducing losses from 47.2% to 34%. The areas of Liopetri and Avgorou have the highest losses, while Ayia Napa records the lowest. The president of the board, Yiannis Karousos, stated that losses will be further reduced with the installation of smart meters. There are ongoing programs to improve the network and update equipment. The continuous effort aims for further reduction of water losses.
Nikos Christodoulides is preparing for the presidential elections in 2028, although his official announcement is expected in 2027. Recent polls indicate he has support from 25% of DISY members. Furthermore, 34% of DISY voters may choose him next time. Strategically, he aims to maintain support from the DISY base. The political situation regarding the presidential elections remains fluid, with negotiations in other parties also ongoing.