5 Minute News

last year

The family of 43-year-old Alki Michael has filed a complaint for negligent manslaughter after he suffered a heart attack while driving away from the hospital. The Limassol police are investigating a possible delay in treating the patient during his visit to the emergency department. They have requested records from the hospital about the patient’s stay and will look into whether there was any delay in his examination. The case file will be submitted to the Legal Service to determine if any criminal offense occurred.

In Limassol, a serious traffic accident resulted in the death of a 16-year-old named Charalambos Pissaridis. The accident occurred when the motorcycle he was riding veered off course, hitting a signpost and then a tree. Pissaridis was taken to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Authorities are investigating the incident and are searching for the motorcycle.

Attorney General Giorgos Savvides made a plea for respect towards judicial decisions. He urged the public to read court rulings before commenting on them. He emphasized the importance of trust in the courts, highlighting the need to support institutions. He also noted that some comments are made before the decisions are issued.

Israel conducted an airstrike in Beirut, killing nearly ten senior Hezbollah commanders, including Ibrahim Akil. The Israeli military stated that the strike aimed to protect Israeli citizens. The attack led to the death of eight people and injured 59 others, according to the Lebanese Ministry of Health. U.S. President Biden mentioned he is working to ensure displaced civilians on both sides can return home.

A new fatal road accident occurred in Limassol, involving a 16-year-old motorcyclist. The young man reportedly lost control of his bike and crashed into a palm tree, resulting in his death. Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident and are seeking independent witness statements. Additionally, the motorcycle of the victim was moved from the accident scene.

The Cabinet approved the state budget for 2025, focusing on maintaining a surplus in the fiscal balance and promoting growth in key sectors. Development expenses are set to increase by 2.1% and spending on education and health by 5.2%. At the same time, a reduction in public sector employment is expected. The outlook for the Cypriot economy remains positive, with a decrease in unemployment anticipated in 2025.

The Israeli airstrike in Beirut targeted Hezbollah official Ibrahim Akil, who is reported to have been present during the attack. Akil, known for his involvement in terrorist activities, is designated as a 'Global Terrorist' by the U.S. The recent strike is part of a series of Israeli operations aimed at weakening Hezbollah. International concerns are rising regarding the potential escalation of violence in the region.

Dr. Aristotelis Konstantinidis points out a gap in the Supreme Constitutional Court's decision regarding the dismissal of the Auditor General concerning freedom of expression. He argues that the legal assessment should include the freedoms protected by the European Court of Human Rights. He also warns that undermining freedom of expression may deter other public officials. Lastly, he emphasizes the importance of public discussion on such judicial decisions.

The Israeli military conducted an airstrike in Beirut, targeting the Hezbollah stronghold of Dahiyeh. This attack follows rockets fired by Hezbollah towards northern Israel. The situation at the border remains tense, with mutual attacks increasing. Israeli authorities reported minor injuries and explosions in the northern region.

RAEK concluded its meeting and adopted new changes to the regulatory framework for electrical interconnections. These changes involve the recovery of costs starting from 2025 to 2029, with state subsidies for consumers. Additionally, the preferential capital return rate for the implementing agency has been extended for 17 years. More changes will be considered in the next phase.

Government spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis stated that the protest outside the Presidential Palace regarding the Supreme Constitutional Court's decision raises questions. He emphasized that this decision did not come from the President or the government. He also noted that every citizen has the right to disagree and protest. Furthermore, he questioned why AKEL chose that specific location for the protest.

President Christodoulides' popularity is at a low point, with 71% of respondents expressing negative views about him. The public holds him responsible for the case of Odysseas Michailidis and believes he could have prevented the crisis. A significant majority (63%) supports Odysseas running in the presidential elections of 2028. Additionally, participants encourage Odysseas to appeal to the European Court of Human Rights.

A 25-year-old woman was arrested as a suspect in the robbery of an 89-year-old man in Oroklini, who was injured when she hit him with her car. The elderly man reported that the young woman, who is his girlfriend, stole his wallet containing about €700. He followed her to her car and tried to retrieve his wallet, but she struck him. The 25-year-old has been remanded in custody, and his wallet was found in her vehicle.

The 44-year-old accused in the quadruple fatal accident admitted to causing death in a court session in Limassol. He accepted his guilt for four charges, while two other charges are still under review. The case is progressing with the presentation of evidence. The victims included two family members and their grandparents.

The recent decision by the Supreme Court to suspend Odysseas Michaelides has caused significant anger among a large portion of the public. An online survey revealed that 82% of participants oppose this decision. Moreover, the Attorney General also faces considerable negative popularity, while trust in institutions appears to have been shaken. The response from the younger generation is crucial, with 90% of them disagreeing with the court's decision.

A 60-year-old man was arrested yesterday after being wanted since 2006 for a fatal car accident in Paphos. He had left Cyprus following the accident, which resulted in the death of a 34-year-old woman. Although he was initially released, he fled the country and had been sought ever since. He is set to appear in court regarding the case.

Gal Luft, a well-known academic, was arrested in Cyprus after 18 months of evading capture. He faces charges related to arms exports and is seeking to halt his extradition process to the U.S., claiming the charges are politically motivated. He has filed a request for immediate release through the Supreme Court. The case has attracted international attention, linking it to the family of Joe Biden.

The Marine Science School of TEPAK will be established in Mackenzie, with rapid progress in the ongoing processes. The mayor of Larnaca confirmed that a contract for the establishment of the school has been signed. Additional studies and requirements are expected to be submitted to the government soon. Larnaca hopes for a government decision by the end of 2023, aiming for classes to start in 2027.

In Limassol, the number of arrests for the disturbances at the AlphaMega stadium during the Apollo-AEL derby is increasing. So far, ten individuals have been arrested, with 26 more still being sought. Three of the arrested, aged 22, 24, and 28, appeared in court and were remanded in custody. The investigation continues with the help of fan cards to identify other individuals involved.

The government is moving forward with changes in the Audit Office, despite the departure of Odysseas Mihailidis. The Minister of Justice stated that the plans for the modernization of the office are unaffected by personnel changes. An Audit Council will be established to ensure the office's functions, which will have a nine-year term. The new bill may limit the role of the Attorney General and create a new Prosecutor's Office.

The OAY and OKYpY are reviewing prescriptions from a Greek doctor involved in illegal drug sales in Greece. Authorities have confirmed his identity and are examining the possibility of duplicate registrations and dual employment of doctors in Cyprus and Greece. The Minister of Health has requested preventive measures to be taken. Additionally, inspections are being conducted on the doctor's prescriptions to determine their legality.

MP Stavros Papadouris revealed cases of bribery related to the issuance of building permits. He emphasized the need to adhere to a priority order for applications and to avoid nepotism. The president of ETEK, Konstantinos Konstantis, mentioned that delays in licensing could lead to issues in the construction industry. He also stressed the need for a unified policy from all local authorities.

The decision to dismiss the Auditor General has sparked public reactions and rumors of a new political movement led by Odysseas Michailidis. AKEL aims to guide the formation of a new social movement outside the Presidential Palace, drawing inspiration from the protests of 2011. At the same time, it is trying to preempt developments and prevent new political alliances from emerging. AKEL is urging the public to participate in a protest event scheduled for September 22nd.

The meeting between the Greek Prime Minister and the President of Cyprus focused on the electricity interconnection between Cyprus and Crete. The President confirmed Cyprus's commitment to participate in the equity of the Great Sea Interconnector with approximately 30%. The Regulatory Authority for Energy in Cyprus (RAEK) is expected to make a decision today regarding the project's financing. The approved changes will include the start of revenue allocation from consumers to cover project costs.