Former football player Kostas Malekkos faced backlash for his comments about relationships and the role of women in society. During a late-night show, he stated that women should accept that men are the leaders. Following public outcry, he issued an apology, claiming he has never been sexist and that his remarks were meant to be humorous. The Commissioner for Gender Equality emphasized that sexist rhetoric is unacceptable in society.
Since April, Cyprus and other European countries have frozen asylum applications for Syrian refugees while awaiting developments in Syria. In Greece, authorities are reviewing the situation following the fall of the Assad regime, with a temporary halt on asylum decisions planned. In Germany, the Interior Minister stated that the situation is very unclear, making predictions about possible returns uncertain. Refugees are expressing concern and uncertainty regarding their situation in their home country.
The case of Orhan Asanov, an Azeri accused of terrorism and conspiracy to commit murder, is one of the longest-running legal cases in Cyprus. The trial began in July 2023, but only two out of approximately 100 prosecution witnesses have testified so far. Asanov admitted to some charges but denies those related to terrorism. The trial continues with preliminary motions and various judicial developments.
The Ministry of Health provided clarifications regarding the death of a six-year-old child at Makarios Hospital. They assure that the investigation process is ongoing and results from specialized tests are awaited. The Ministry expresses its condolences to the child's family and emphasizes the importance of avoiding premature conclusions. It highlights that such incidents should not be subject to political exploitation.
The family of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has left Syria and moved to Russia, where they received asylum from Vladimir Putin. Asma al-Assad, known for her luxurious lifestyle, is expected to leverage their wealth in the new location. Despite uncertainties about their new life, the family owns significant assets and has invested in numerous properties in Moscow. This situation raises questions about future stability in Syria and the relationship with Russia.
A 49-year-old man from Georgia was jailed after being accused of hitting his girlfriend with his car in Limassol. He denied the allegation, claiming that she was sitting in front of his vehicle and preventing him from leaving. The woman was taken to the hospital with a broken leg. The man faces charges for drunken driving, reckless driving, and leaving the accident scene.
Syrian refugees who had pending asylum applications are beginning to withdraw them due to recent developments in their home country. Some are also withdrawing their supplementary protection. The Government appears to view this situation positively, encouraging voluntary return through appropriate programs. The Ministry of Migration is currently working diligently to monitor the situation.
A Glock pistol was submitted as evidence in the Nicosia Criminal Court for the murder case of Angelos Perikleous. The accused, 26-year-old Joshua Polosso Epifaniou, inspected the pistol and other evidence, including bullets and digital data from cameras. Perikleous had been missing since April 2023, and his vehicle was found burned. Relatives of the accused also faced charges for concealing evidence.
The increase in the betting tax from 3% to 4.5% is expected to be approved by the Parliament, with the revenue directed to football clubs to settle their tax debts. The Democratic Party (DIKO) proposes an amendment to increase it to 5% to benefit more federations. There were concerns about the compliance of clubs with the repayment plans for their debts. Lawmakers express doubts about the legality of the plan and the management of the situation.
The Limassol District Court imposed a suspended sentence on a father found responsible for exposing his twin children to cocaine. The defendant, who admitted to the charges, will not serve time in prison but will be monitored for three years. Mitigating factors considered included his remorse and confession, as well as the perception that the incident was isolated. The case came to light after a chemist reported the children needed drug testing.
Russia confirmed that President Putin has granted asylum to Bashar al-Assad. The Kremlin spokesperson stated that it is too early to discuss the future of Russian military bases in Syria, amid ongoing uncertainty in the region. Russia maintains strategic facilities in Syria and expects difficult situations due to instability. Peskov emphasized the need for dialogue with regional countries in light of the developments.
The Republic of Cyprus and the United States are collaborating to enhance Cyprus's capabilities in combating illegal financing. This initiative, supported by the FBI and the U.S. Department of Justice, has made significant progress in detecting and prosecuting financial crimes. Moreover, training is scheduled for 2025, aimed at developing skills among Cypriot authorities. This commitment indicates the ongoing partnership between the two countries in fighting crime.
A 6-year-old child was transported in septic shock to the Paphos hospital and later died at the Makario Hospital. A spokesperson for the Health Services Organization stated that the child was in serious condition upon admission and was immediately transferred to the Intensive Care Unit. He emphasized that there was no delay or incompetence regarding the child's treatment. The situation was critical, and the medical staff reacted promptly.
Syrian asylum seekers in Cyprus express their desire for voluntary return to Syria through a letter to the Deputy Minister of Migration. Although the situation in Syria remains unstable, they believe that political change brings hope for returning to their homeland. They request the government to organize their safe and dignified return and to extend the assisted voluntary return program. They express gratitude to the Republic of Cyprus and hope for a positive response to their request.
The government and the Parliament are working together to introduce a law proposal concerning vehicle recalls for defective components, such as Takata airbags. The proposal includes regulations requiring a certificate during vehicle registration and an information process for owners in the event of a recall. The aim is to enhance road safety and protect citizens. The Transport Committee will meet tomorrow to discuss this matter.
The Mayor of Paphos, Phaidon Phaidonos, reports the death of a 6-year-old child from gastroenteritis at the Paphos General Hospital. He claims that the authorities were unable to handle the situation and delayed the child's transfer to Nicosia due to a lack of available beds. The Mayor expresses concern about the lack of respect for children's lives and the responsibilities for the state of the hospital. A similar incident was reported yesterday, highlighting the ongoing inadequacy of the healthcare system.
The Assad dynasty has come to an end, sparking excitement among Syrians who celebrate in the streets. The group Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham, previously controversial, claims to seek a cohesive and moderate Syria for all. Abu Mohammed al-Julani's statements emphasize his commitment to protecting all religious communities. Meanwhile, international powers are recalibrating their positions in response to the changing situation in Syria.
Rebels have taken control of central Syrian cities, including Damascus, with little resistance. Their leader is Abu Muhammad al-Jolani, who heads a group that emerged from the Islamic State. The situation is tense with skirmishes between various militias and warnings from the United States to avoid conflicts. HTS, the largest armed group in Syria, controls strategic areas and revenue sources.
On December 2nd, police arrested a 49-year-old man in Limassol after a complaint was filed by a 34-year-old woman. The woman tried to prevent the man from driving, as he was intoxicated, but he struck her with his vehicle twice. Following the incident, she was taken to the hospital with a leg fracture. The man has been arrested and is in custody for investigation.
Russia has granted asylum to Bashar al-Assad and his family, who are now in Moscow. This decision was made for humanitarian reasons, according to a Kremlin source. Assad left Syria as rebels were entering the capital, raising concerns about his fate. An aircraft from Syrian Air took off during this turmoil, initially heading toward the coastline before disappearing from radar.
The destruction of the desalination plant in Paphos by a fire has raised serious concerns about the water balance and supply in the area. This plant was responsible for about one-third of Paphos' water supply. Authorities are planning immediate actions to ensure continuous water supply while also considering alternatives, such as mobile desalination units. The President of the Republic assured that necessary measures will be taken to restore the situation.
Cypriots spend very little on energy upgrading their homes, with only 14.6% improving energy efficiency. This places them in the bottom five within the EU, while most countries have significantly higher percentages. The EU average is 25.5%, indicating that Cyprus is lagging behind. Eurostat also reveals significant differences in greenhouse gas emissions by country.
A meeting is expected to take place at the Legal Service to review the cases related to the Abbacum Monastery scandal. The Attorney General will examine all remaining cases and provide instructions to the investigators. Metropolitan Isaias of Tamasos reportedly remained silent during his recent summons and submitted a note to the investigators. The evaluation of the existing evidence will then be conducted by the investigators in collaboration with the heads of the Legal Service.
The president of ETEK emphasizes the need for periodic building inspections to prevent catastrophic accidents. Many buildings are old and were constructed without necessary regulations. This issue resurfaces every time a balcony or structure collapses, but the memory quickly fades. There is an urgent need for action before lives are endangered.
Keir Starmer, the British Prime Minister, arrives in Cyprus for the first official visit by a British Prime Minister since 1971. The visit marks the beginning of a strategic dialogue between London and Nicosia, focusing on security and economic issues. Nicosia aims to highlight Cyprus's role as a stabilizing factor in the region. A meeting between the two leaders at the Presidential Palace further emphasizes the strong ties between the two countries.
Syria is undergoing critical developments with the transition to the post-Assad era. There is concern about a potential refugee wave towards Cyprus and Europe. Syrian refugees are expressing joy, but the situation remains fluid. Diplomatic relations between Cyprus and other EU countries are crucial at this time.
The latest report by the European Commission reveals the abuse of the General Health System (GeSY) in Cyprus regarding inpatient services, with Cyprus recording the second highest number of discharges in the EU. Although a high number of discharges may indicate timely patient service, there are concerns that a lower number of beds may lead to premature discharges. Meanwhile, the percentage of unmet health needs in Cyprus is almost zero, although dental services remain an exception. A gap is noted in the care of long-term patients.