As Christmas approaches, the streets and stores are bustling with people enjoying the festive atmosphere. Visitors encounter Christmas surprises, music, and beautiful decorations. Many take advantage of the weekend for shopping and gifts, boosting activity in the stores. The mood is celebratory and cheerful as people celebrate the holiday season.
The alleged perpetrator of the attack at the Christmas market in Magdeburg had a history of past offenses, including a conviction for disturbing public peace. He arrived in Germany in 2006 and applied for asylum in 2016, claiming threats to his life in Saudi Arabia. He is a psychiatrist who has been working in a hospital since 2020 but had been absent from work since October. He is now facing legal issues related to the misuse of emergency services.
Tensions were observed on Saturday in the UN buffer zone between farmers and UN peacekeeping forces. The UNIFCY representatives were instructed to prevent farmers from planting in the area. Two peacekeepers reportedly faced an attack from a farmer, resulting in minor injuries to one. The police are investigating the circumstances of the incident and the accusations against the farmers.
A couple in Belgium was found guilty of abusing their four daughters, aged 12 to 21. The daughters endured horrific violence and reported psychological and physical abuse. The abuse was uncovered when the two youngest girls managed to escape and seek help. The couple was sentenced to over ten years in prison for their heinous acts.
The Meteorological Service issued a yellow warning for strong thunderstorms this weekend, mainly affecting the western and southern parts of the island. Rainfall is expected to reach up to 50 millimeters per hour, with a possibility of hail and wind gusts of up to 7 Beaufort. Temperatures are expected to hover around 19 degrees on Saturday and 8 degrees in the mountains. On Sunday, the weather will start partly cloudy but will clear up later.
Greece and Cyprus are seeking more EU involvement in the Syrian region, with Prime Minister Mitsotakis emphasizing that any agreement on an EEZ between Turkey and Syria that overlooks Cyprus's sovereignty could destabilize the area. Mitsotakis highlighted the importance of stability in Syria and the protection of religious minorities. He also mentioned the need to ensure the basic needs of refugees wishing to return are met. Additionally, he stressed the continued support of the EU for Ukraine.
Incidents occurred in the dead zone of Cyprus when UN peacekeepers clashed with a farmer who was cultivating land without permission. A peacekeeper was slightly injured, and there were damages to UN vehicles. The farmer claimed he had received permission, but the UN emphasizes that cultivation in this area is strictly prohibited. Authorities are expected to investigate the incident.
Over 615,000 fines have been issued by the photo-speeding system over three years. Initially, there was a decrease in traffic fatalities, but this year has seen an increase attributed to relaxed driving habits. Many offenders remain unidentified, resulting in a backlog of unpaid fines. The Police are developing plans for electronic fine enforcement at airports and ports by 2025.
The Department of Road Transport is seeking solutions to reduce public inconvenience due to recalls of vehicles with defective airbags. Meetings involve distributors, importers, and insurance companies to organize the process. The situation is complicated as some importers are not cooperating for the recalls. The aim is to complete the procedures with minimal impact on the owners of these vehicles.
The Bank of Cyprus and the Hellenic Bank recently announced new measures to support their customers, focusing on housing loans and fee reductions. The measures include interest subsidies, new financing options, and facilities for specific age groups and vulnerable customers. Implementation will begin in 2025 and involve the installation of new ATMs in rural areas. These decisions resulted from political interventions and meetings with government officials.