Dominique Pellicot is on trial for raping his wife, Giselle, and appears to show no remorse for his actions. According to a psychologist testifying in court, he claims he would have continued abusing his wife if he had not been caught. He portrays himself as a victim, arguing that before the revelations, his life would have been happy. The psychologist emphasized that he inherits the temperament of his father, who was violent.
Kate Middleton revealed that she has completed her chemotherapy, with the focus now on remaining cancer-free. In a personal video showing time spent with her family, she shares the challenges faced over the past nine months. She emphasizes the importance of simple things in life and expresses gratitude for the support received. Kate hopes that light can emerge from difficult times.
Apple unveiled the new iPhone 16 at the recent Apple Event, featuring increased durability and innovations like the 'Camera Control' button. The phone also includes a customizable 'Action' button that allows users to program desired functions. The A18 processor delivers enhanced performance to support Apple Intelligence features. Technology enthusiasts will find the artificial intelligence capabilities of the iPhone 16 very impressive.
A second safe was found at the Monastery of Abakum and handed over to the police. It contained a significant amount of money, and investigations are ongoing regarding the allegations against Metropolitan Isaiah. Investigators are examining the origins of the funds involved. The probe will take longer than initially expected.
A witness testified at the Synodal Court that he was a victim of sexual abuse by a monk from the Monastery of Osios Avvakum. This testimony could lead to the removal of the accused monk. Additionally, two lawyers and former monk Barnabas testified, providing evidence against other monks. The accused claim that the videos presented were obtained illegally.
The Cypriot government has established direct communication channels with Hezbollah in response to threats from its Secretary-General, Hassan Nasrallah. The Cypriot National Security Advisor, Tasos Tzionis, visited Beirut to discuss issues of mutual interest, highlighting the history and strength of relations between the two countries. Cyprus assured that it has no hostile intentions and will not be part of any military conflict. The Cypriot government is working to maintain its peaceful stance in the region.
A 29-year-old man was arrested in connection with a homophobic attack on a young individual in Limassol. The incident involved derogatory comments and violence from bystanders. Accept LGBTI Cyprus condemned the attack, urging authorities to take action. They emphasized that no form of violence is acceptable.
The police deny allegations that there are no procedures for reporting incidents of sexist and bullying behavior. These statements were made following a session of the Human Rights Committee of the Parliament. The police assert that there is a relevant regulation that outlines procedures and the necessity of confidentiality. The responsibility for reports lies with police directors and the Committee for Gender Equality.
The Parliament plans to regulate the pensions of state officials by December. The new regulations will state that pensions will start at age 65, mainly affecting future officials. Current officials will be covered based on their tenure according to the proposals being considered. However, these new regulations face legal challenges regarding their application to existing officials.
At the Synodical Court, the monks Nektarios and Porphyrios were cross-examined by Metropolitan Isaiah of Tamassos regarding allegations of sexual and other ecclesiastical offenses. The monks did not respond to the charges and countered with messages they believe support their claims. However, the Metropolitan questions the authenticity of these messages and plans to have them examined by experts. The trial continues despite the monks' objections.
Police are investigating the construction and sending of bombs to Nicosia, Larnaca, and Limassol by the same manufacturer. Although a 19-year-old has been arrested as a suspect, it appears that the actual manufacturer possesses specialized knowledge and access to dangerous materials. Investigations are ongoing to identify the responsible party, with authorities examining evidence and traces. While their task is challenging, they hope to find clues that will lead them to the maker of the explosive devices.
Over 45,000 people attended Ed Sheeran's concerts in Larnaca, which were the largest international concerts ever held in Cyprus. Thousands of fans from 42 countries traveled to Cyprus, with Israel having the highest number of tickets sold. Australia surprisingly ranks 8th in the top 20 countries, which is notable. Most attendees were from European countries.
The case of land usurpation involving Simon Mistriel Aykout is ongoing at the Nicosia District Court, facing delays due to his defense's legal objections. His lawyers are raising jurisdictional issues regarding the court's authority to adjudicate. Aykout faces over 240 charges related to the usurpation of land owned by Greek Cypriots. The next court session is scheduled for September 27.
The Audit Office released a report highlighting serious irregularities in the handling of the eWallet project by the Ministry of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy. Issues of conflict of interest and lack of transparency were identified, with responsibilities for the absence of procedures and approvals. It was noted that the project coordinator has a family relationship with a member of the contracting team. The report emphasizes that the management of the project leaves the Ministry and the public sector exposed to risks.
In Parliament, a lack of procedures for reporting incidents of sexism and bullying within the Police was reported. Female special police officers raised concerns about harassment from their superiors. Legislators are planning changes to ensure confidentiality in submitting complaints. The situation was deemed unacceptable by the chairwoman of the Human Rights Committee.
Defense Minister Vasilis Palmas stated that the goal is to have voluntary service for women in the National Guard by 2025. There are challenges regarding the age limit and the number of positions for women. The government aims to address needs arising from the reduction of service in 2016. The minimum service will last six months, while the maximum will be 14 months.
Former monk's lawyer, George Stylianou, stated that there are numerous contradictions in the evidence presented in the trial of the monks from the Abbey of Abbacum. He pointed out that he was not provided with crucial documents for their defense, purportedly to protect the church's reputation. Stylianou left the proceedings, claiming it was an unfair trial, resembling a farce of 'We are the priests, we are the judges.' He suggested that the outcome of the trial appeared to be predetermined.
The Greek Economic Police dismantled a criminal organization that established fake companies to conduct fictitious transactions, leading to a loss of 10 million euros for the state. Twenty-one individuals were arrested, including three who are believed to be leaders. The organization operated in coordination with other countries, such as Cyprus and Slovakia. A thorough investigation by authorities resulted in the formation of charges for various crimes.
Patients in Cyprus are facing significant issues due to bureaucracy and miscommunication among healthcare professionals. There are complaints about difficulties accessing health services and a lack of clear explanations from hospitals. Many patients find that their applications for benefits or services are shuffled between multiple agencies, leading to delays and frustration. Overall, this situation causes distress and concern for both patients and their families.
The monks of the Monastery of Saint Abbacum called Archbishop George and Metropolitan of Morphou Nektarios to testify as defense witnesses in their trial. They face serious charges, including inappropriate sexual relations and financial irregularities. Meanwhile, they have submitted 24 objections that are currently under consideration by the Synodical Court. Their lawyer has also requested to testify as a defense witness.
A warrant has been issued for a person accused of a homophobic attack on a man in Limassol. The alleged perpetrator is a martial arts expert and reportedly verbally and physically assaulted the victim while he was walking outside a nightclub. Accept LGBTI Cyprus condemned the attack and urged authorities to take action against the perpetrators. The key message is that attacks against the community will not be tolerated.
The electric interconnection is the main topic of the week for the President and the Government. A broad meeting is taking place today at the Presidential Palace with significant representatives to discuss concerns regarding the project. President Christodoulides aims to establish final positions for tomorrow's meeting with the Greek Government and the European Commission. However, it is uncertain if final decisions will be made.
A 96-year-old man named George Theodorou lost his life in a car accident in Larnaca. He lost control of his vehicle, which fell into a ditch and overturned. He was taken to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The police are investigating the causes of his death.
The three monks of the Monastery of Abakum are in a challenging position as their last lawyer has abandoned them before an important trial. If the rumors are confirmed, the monks will have to defend themselves without legal support. The charges they face include serious offenses, such as inappropriate sexual relations and exploitation of human suffering. There are concerns that the delays in the trial are due to strategies being employed by the monks.
The United States is advocating for the Cyprus-Greece-Israel electricity interconnection, which is set to be discussed in an important meeting at the Presidential Palace. American diplomats, including the ambassador, have highlighted the necessity of this project for energy security and regional geopolitical stability. They emphasize that Cyprus should invest in connecting with Europe through clean energy. The current situation provides unique opportunities for energy collaboration.
Deposit interest rates in Cyprus remain low despite changes in the ECB's monetary policy. The household deposit rate stands at 1.91%, significantly lower than the eurozone average. Businesses also face lower rates compared to the rest of the eurozone. Depositors are seeking alternative options for better returns.
Dairy farmers believe that the Cypriot government has compromised the trade of halloumi by providing financial support to the occupied territories. A nationwide meeting will be held on September 18, 2024, to inform producers about the latest developments. The focus is on new requirements for halloumi production, aiming to increase the proportion of goat's and sheep's milk to 51% by 2029. Farmers are concerned that these policies will harm their production in the free areas.
Banks are benefiting from the ECB's monetary policy and have increased their profitability with little effort. In the first half of 2024, Bank of Cyprus, Hellenic Bank, and Eurobank Cyprus reported total profits of €565 million. The high deposit facility rate set by the ECB provides significant gains for the banks, as their liquidity is deposited with the ECB. Criticism is rising regarding the lending and deposit rates due to the gap between the two.
Today marks the start of the new school year for primary school students, with 51,590 children returning, of whom 9,074 are first-year students. The year is expected to be interesting as the Ministry of Education has announced new initiatives aimed at improving education. However, there are challenges related to teacher organization and infrastructure issues, such as delays in hiring new teachers and ensuring adequate facilities. It is essential to address these issues to ensure the smooth functioning of schools.
Patients are facing numerous issues due to bureaucracy and miscommunication among health services. Complaints mainly concern a lack of access to healthcare services and state support. Serious difficulties have been reported in obtaining necessary certifications and medical services. The situation is worsening for patients who are losing rights and access to treatments due to new legislative changes.
The government is moving forward with upgrading and utilizing waste management infrastructure in Cyprus, focusing on the processing of mixed and organic waste. Plans include mandatory separate collection of organic waste and increasing recycling rates for municipal waste by 2035. Additionally, measures are being put in place to reduce waste sent to landfills. This planning aims to help meet European targets and obligations for Cyprus.