Violent clashes occurred in Larnaca between youth and the police. The young people attacked, causing fires and disturbances near a school. The police responded and made 10 arrests, including nine minors. The incidents seem to be related to festive events.
Hotels that are members of the Cyprus Hotel Association (PASYXE) are offering attractive holiday packages for Christmas and New Year. Citizens can escape their daily routine and enjoy unique experiences in mountainous and coastal areas. The packages feature exquisite food, drinks, and entertainment, providing a blend of relaxation and luxury. PASYXE encourages everyone to visit its website for more information.
A teacher was convicted of sexually abusing a student 20 years ago. The victim found the courage to speak out and report the abuse he suffered as a teenager. The accused admitted to the charges and received a two-and-a-half-year prison sentence. The ruling sends a message to society that victims should report such abuses, regardless of how much time has passed.
There are concerns about potentially defective airbags that may still be circulating in the market from Takata, which has merged with another company. Engineer Panos Kestas emphasized that the new airbags appear to be of poor quality. So far, no recalls have been made, but they have been installed in 52 million vehicles worldwide since 2018. Authorities have not received any updates on the status of Takata or any new products that may be circulating.
The Government has decided to assign the management of Larnaca marina to the Cyprus Institute of the Sea and Maritime (CMMI). This decision led to the cancellation of a planned protest. The Minister of Transport stated that efforts to find an investor will proceed promptly, and the State will handle necessary maintenance work. The Larnaca Development Committee will have a meeting with the President of the Republic to discuss the state of the marina and the port.
A 71-year-old suspect confessed to his involvement in a drug trafficking case, admitting to importing 8 kilograms of cocaine into Cyprus. He had set up a Cypriot company to cover his activities, claiming to import cigars. The legal proceedings continue, with the case being referred to the Criminal Court. The 71-year-old had been wanted since June 2022 and was arrested by German authorities in connection with other related cases.
Pavlos Papadopoulos will swim 25 kilometers along the coast of Limassol to support PASYKAF and honor the memory of his mother, who passed away from cancer in 2019. He aims to raise awareness and gather funds for individuals affected by cancer and their families. The event starts on Saturday morning, and everyone is invited to participate and contribute. Pavlos also sends a message of support to friends battling cancer.
A new money laundering case involving two Russians holding Cypriot passports has come to light. These individuals seem to be connected to suspicious financial activities in France. MP Alexandra Attalidou has submitted questions to the Interior Minister regarding this issue. The Minister's response remains confidential.
Cypriot YouTuber Evros Dimitriou is ignoring the court and faces an arrest warrant for a case that has been pending since 2018. He was charged with violating the Personal Data Protection Law after posting material without consent from the police. Despite repeated summons to appear, he continuously avoids court, affecting the legal process. The court has scheduled new hearings and is considering additional measures to ensure his presence.
There is potential for biogas production for energy use at the landfills of Kotsiatis and Vati. The Minister of Agriculture stated that measurements at the Kotsiatis landfill are ongoing to assess further utilization opportunities. A total of 124 uncontrolled waste disposal sites have been identified in Cyprus, with 37 already restored in Paphos. Restoration works are expected to be completed by 2025.
The police have closed the clubhouse of the Omonia 29th May fans in Limassol due to problems caused by the supporters. In a letter to the Cyprus Football Association, they request consideration of banning the movement of these fans. The request stems from the behavior of some supporters, such as throwing flares during matches. The police emphasize that there will be a zero-tolerance policy for such incidents in the future.
Following the collapse of e-justice, the Ministry of Innovation and the Judicial Service are upgrading i-justice. This decision was made due to delays in the new e-justice tender and potential loss of funding. The upgrade to i-justice will include new services until a decision is made regarding electronic justice. Additionally, there are plans to modernize court recording procedures through the audio recording of trials.
The Chief of Police has decided to suspend the disciplinary action against Nikos Loizidis, the president of the Police Department Union. Arnaoutis emphasized that this decision aims to give Loizidis a second chance. He also pointed out that despite having substantial evidence supporting the disciplinary action, the suspension does not indicate a compromise on the police's disciplinary principles. If similar behavior occurs again, all necessary measures will be taken.
Deputy Minister of Migration, Nikolas Ioannidis, discussed Cyprus's measures to facilitate the voluntary return of Syrians to their homeland in Brussels. Many Syrians residing in Cyprus have started withdrawing their asylum applications, wishing to return. The Deputy Minister emphasized the importance of stability and respect for Syria's sovereignty. Additionally, he held meetings with European counterparts regarding the EU's priorities on migration issues.
On December 10, 2024, an operation was conducted to return seven individuals living illegally in Cyprus. This deportation was carried out on a joint flight coordinated by the Greek Authorities and FRONTEX. By December 13, 2024, a total of 9,420 individuals have been deported from Cyprus this year. Cyprus has participated in 16 return operations coordinated by FRONTEX in 2024.
The Parliament voted for a new bill regulating the operation of foreign university branches in Cyprus, introducing strict provisions. The bill removes requirements related to guarantees and international ranking criteria. Its aim is to ensure quality and enhance competitiveness in higher education, while the establishment of branches is expected to increase revenue. There are concerns regarding the strategic direction of university education in the country.
Football clubs have 18 days to pay additional tax debts of 4.1 million euros following an increase in the betting tax. The Tax Commissioner warns that severe consequences await clubs that do not comply. Their previous debts amount to 31.5 million euros. The tax increase was narrowly approved by the Parliament.
There are concerns in the West about the potential resurgence of ISIS due to political instability in Syria. The former head of MI6 warns that the release of detained jihadists could heighten the threat to Europe. The Kurdish forces holding them are under pressure from Turkey-backed rebels, increasing the risk of escape. British and American authorities highlight that Europe's security could be at risk if the Kurds lose control of the detention centers.
The Minister of Transport will have the authority to issue decrees for the recall of vehicles with defective airbags, which pose a serious risk to drivers and passengers. The proposed law, to be discussed soon, schedules the suspension of these vehicles with a start date of January 31, 2025. Additionally, ways must be found to facilitate citizens during the immobilization period. The safety of citizens is the top priority according to the Minister.
The barbed wire installed to prevent migrant flows in the Astromeritis area appears to be ineffective and has been left unattended. Despite announcements for deconstruction, the barbed wire and gates remain in place without maintenance. The surveillance mechanisms that were planned have not been installed, leaving the area unchecked. Farmers and workers operate without regulations, resulting in a chaotic situation.
The United States has made a significant step in military cooperation with the Republic of Cyprus through an amendment to the Defense Budget. Cyprus will gain the right to participate in multilateral military exercises, strengthening its strategic partnership with the U.S. President Christodoulides mentioned that further announcements regarding defense matters are expected. The Republic of Cyprus is working to enhance its deterrent capabilities and reform its defense industry.
Odysseas Michailidis is planning his political career with a focus on the presidential elections of 2028. He states that his political involvement will include the creation of a political movement aimed at fighting corruption and improving institutions. He emphasizes the need for proper political planning to address poverty and achieve citizens' prosperity. He expresses confidence in society's ability to judge and make decisions.
The proposal by AKEL to impose a 5% emergency tax on the banks' extraordinary profits was rejected in Parliament. This decision resulted from the abstention of four MPs who changed their votes at the last minute. There were intense debates and behind-the-scenes negotiations surrounding the issue. The government and the banks attempted to influence the vote in their favor.