In Larnaca, a 15-year-old was arrested for circulating altered nude photos of students and teachers in a school. The police are investigating the case and have informed the parents of those involved. The altered images caused concern and unrest in the community. The Ministry of Education has initiated an investigation into the incident.
The Chief of Police, Themistocles Arnaoutis, has announced transfers of senior officers to critical positions. These transfers involve officers taking on new responsibilities, such as leading the Air Operations Unit and the Human Resources Department. The changes will take effect next Tuesday. This restructuring is expected to impact the police force significantly.
A proposed bill submitted to the Parliament includes fines for the illegal use of polluting vehicles in low emission areas. Violations pertain to unauthorized entry into designated areas and the use of non-clean vehicles. The fines vary depending on the violation, aiming to reduce atmospheric pollutants. The legislation aims to improve air quality and ensure compliance with environmental regulations.
Eurocypria, a subsidiary of the former Cyprus Airways, is facing legal troubles despite its closure. The Supreme Court of Cyprus overturned an initial ruling that required the government to pay £400,000 to a travel company. Former Trade Minister Antonis Paschalidis was questioned, and although initially deemed unreliable, his testimony was ultimately restored. The case revolves around payments related to Eurocypria's flight agreements, resulting in losses for its partners.
The Supreme Court decided to almost double the compensation awarded to a 17-year-old moped rider who suffered serious injuries in a traffic accident. The accident occurred in 2006 when a woman driver cut him off, causing the collision. The new ruling acknowledges his permanent injuries and the need for future surgeries, which may limit his work and sports opportunities. Ultimately, a total of €400,000 was awarded for general damages and loss of future earnings.
The documents sent to Parliament regarding the Support Agency do not provide the transparency that was promised. Government officials announced that donor details would be made public, but the documents do not include names. Instead, they only record the donors' nationalities without further details. This situation raises concerns about the transparency of the Agency.
A school in Larnaca was unsettled by the circulation of edited nude photos of students and teachers. The Police were notified and responded to the school due to the rising concerns. Parents were informed that the images were altered and were advised to reassure their children. The matter is currently under investigation by the Police.
Giannis Giannakis has failed again to cancel his trial on forgery charges, as the Supreme Court dismissed his appeal. Giannakis claims that public statements from authorities portraying him as guilty violate his right to a fair trial and the presumption of innocence. However, the lower court determined there were insufficient grounds to grant his request. Legal proceedings for Giannakis appear to be ongoing without success for him so far.
A 54-year-old businessman reported being the victim of a scam at a currency exchange shop. A foreign man, around 60 years old, managed to exchange 40,000 dollars for euros but switched the envelopes and left with the money. When the businessman checked his bag, he found only 409 dollars inside. The police are investigating the incident to locate the perpetrator.
14-year-old Olympia Xenofontos delivered a heartfelt message to President Christodoulides, calling for the construction of a new pediatric hospital. She described the difficult conditions faced by children with serious illnesses and their parents, who live in isolation and fear. She emphasized that health is essential for children's freedom and dignity. Her speech highlighted the needs of patients and the importance of quality healthcare.
In Nicosia, a significant percentage of hospital beds is being concentrated in an investment fund, raising concerns about the potential creation of a monopoly. The Health Parliamentary Committee is worried as this could impact the negotiations of the Health Insurance Organization with private hospitals. The Cyprus Private Hospitals Association has also pointed out the risk of market manipulation. The issue has been included in the discussion by the parliamentary group of the AKEL party.
Companies in renewable energy are securing state land to prevent competitors from obtaining it, leaving it unused. MP Christos Christofides presented a bill to ensure that state property valued over €500,000 is leased through an open competition. This aims to end the opacity in the allocation processes of public assets. The proposed law is currently being discussed in the Parliamentary Committee on Internal Affairs.
Two priests from the Catholic Church in Greece are alleged to have funneled large sums of money to nightclubs, with a total embezzlement of around 3 million euros. The Authority for the Prevention of Money Laundering has already taken action by freezing the assets and bank accounts of those involved. This situation is being investigated by the prosecutorial authorities of the Catholic Church in Greece and the Vatican. The investigation revealed suspicious transactions and suspicions of serious criminal acts.
Eleven illegal immigrants in Cyprus were arrested and deported the same day. The operation took place in Paphos in the morning by the Immigration Service. The detainees, five men and six women, departed for their home countries in the evening. The Police continue their efforts to repatriate illegal immigrants residing in the country.
Dentists are raising concerns that the Health Insurance Organization is denying them access to patients' electronic files, which could put their health at risk. They claim that without this information, it is impossible to provide safe services. They are seeking intervention from the parliamentary Health Committee to resolve the issue. The Commissioner for Personal Data Protection supports the dentists, contradicting the claims of the Health Insurance Organization.
Two minors and a 26-year-old from Syria were arrested by the police for their involvement in a fight in Finikoudes. The incident occurred in the evening, and officers found one of the minors in possession of a brass knuckles. The young individuals have bruises and the case is under investigation by the Minor Offenses Department. Additionally, another minor was arrested for similar incidents on Saturday.
In the lead-up to the long weekend of October 28th, there's an increase in travel activity among Cypriots who seize the opportunity for short getaways or to visit family abroad. Popular destinations include Greece and England, with interest also noted for Central European countries. Local tourist spots in Cyprus remain attractive due to pleasant weather. Despite ongoing conflicts and economic challenges, tourism activity appears to remain satisfactory.
Turkey announced that it attacked 32 PKK positions in Iraq and Syria just hours after an attack in Ankara that resulted in five deaths. The Interior Minister suggested that the perpetrators were likely members of the PKK. During the operations, the suspects were killed and 22 people were injured. The PKK is regarded as a terrorist organization by Turkey and various international bodies.
The activity of seasonal infections in Europe is starting to increase, with the main culprits being the flu and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) warns of a potential rise in cases and emphasizes the importance of vaccinations. Experts assure that seasonal infections are common and there is no need for panic. Additionally, measures for protection and awareness regarding the management of infections should be maintained.
Currently, 46 children are held in the Central Prisons, which is double the number from seven months ago. There is discussion about creating a special juvenile detention facility in Mennogeia, aimed at the care and education of the children. However, there are concerns regarding the management and oversight of this facility. The Commissioner for the Protection of Children's Rights suggests that the space should be designed to be welcoming for the children.
Investigations into the Abbacum Monastery scandal are ongoing, with calls for deposition issued to Metropolitan Isaiah and others regarding bank transactions. Evidence is being gathered related to financial dealings and allegations of labor exploitation from a former monk. The case is pending in court, with developments expected next month.
Roman Kazimierz Ziemian was arrested in Montenegro for defrauding users of approximately $21 million through the FutureNet platform. The Republic of Cyprus revoked his passport due to international arrest warrants. He is wanted by South Korea and Poland for serious financial crimes, including money laundering and fraud. The extradition process may take over a year.
The first strategic dialogue between the USA and Cyprus recently took place in Nicosia, addressing critical issues related to bilateral relations. Cyprus confirmed progress in its inclusion in the US Visa Waiver Program. Agreements were also made for collaborations in defense, law enforcement, and research and innovation. The dialogue enhances the cooperation between the two countries across various sectors, highlighting the strategic importance of Cyprus in the region.
The issue of the Independent Social Support Fund is causing disputes in Parliament due to a lack of information regarding the donors. MPs are expressing concerns that the government is not providing the necessary details. There are worries about transparency, as past records indicate that certain businesses may have benefited from government decisions. Additionally, the sources of assistance provided are limited.
The subsidy for electricity prices will continue in a more targeted way, as revealed in a recent meeting with the Minister of Finance and the governing party members. Proposals are being considered to support low-pensioners and provide rent subsidies. The Minister announced that the establishment of a Unified Housing Authority is being studied to address housing issues. The goal is to reduce the overall housing costs.