A murder attempt occurred in the Agia Fyla area of Limassol when the suspect, of Egyptian origin, opened fire outside his home. Three individuals had come to meet him to resolve personal disputes, but the situation turned violent. A 41-year-old was seriously injured in the leg and required surgery. The police are conducting an investigation to locate the suspect and are reviewing security camera footage from the area.
In Limassol, shots were fired at an individual in the Agia Fylaxis area. The victim was shot in the legs by an unknown assailant who then fled the scene. The injured person was taken to a hospital for treatment. The police have mobilized for investigations in the area.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs warns of a potential escalation of tension due to new drilling activities by the Republic of Cyprus. It claims these actions violate the rights of the Turkish Cypriot community, which is a co-owner of the island's natural resources. The ministry stated it will not stand by and will take necessary measures. It urges the international community to participate in a conference to resolve the situation.
The police are investigating the possibility of an accomplice in the escape of the Swedish fugitive Hans Jonny Uven, who was found in possession of a mobile phone. The phone may indicate prior communication, and the police have requested the disclosure of telecom data. Uven escaped from a private clinic while under strict guard and was recaptured just hours later. The case is under investigation, and a disciplinary inquiry regarding the security of the inmate has been requested.
The Court of Appeals ordered the reopening of a disciplinary case against a lawyer who was acquitted in 2022. The complainant argued that she lacked proper support during the hearing, which affected her testimony. The lawyer faced charges of incompatible and disgraceful conduct related to her handling of a client's case. The process has been complex and spanned several years.
Alex Efthivoulou, a veteran journalist and a prominent figure in Cypriot journalism, has passed away, leaving behind a rich legacy. He witnessed significant historical events and actively contributed to media coverage through various international and Cypriot outlets. Additionally, he was involved in environmental protection and served in the military. His contribution to Cypriot society was recognized with many honors throughout his life.
The 63-year-old wife of the 62-year-old victim is being questioned again by investigators regarding his death, who was found dead with a knife wound to the chest. She claims it was a suicide. Authorities are investigating whether it was murder or suicide while awaiting results from scientific tests. There are reports of disagreements between the couple, mainly concerning financial issues.
A new student residence is set to open in Nicosia, in a preserved building that will accommodate 50 students. The project is expected to be completed within the first quarter of 2025, with a budget of €4,000,000 funded by the EU. The residence will be equipped with various amenities, including appliances and security systems. Additionally, there are plans for a second student residence with 20 self-contained apartments.
The Meteorological Department has issued a yellow warning for heavy storms and hail, mainly affecting coastal areas. Rainfall is expected to exceed 35 mm per hour. Snowfall and frost are expected in the mountainous regions. Weather conditions are expected to gradually improve in the coming days.
Alex Efthivoulou, a renowned journalist, passed away just days shy of his 98th birthday. Born in Nicosia in 1927, he had a long career in journalism, covering many important news stories from various countries. He served as a war correspondent and was an editor of the Cyprus Weekly newspaper. Additionally, he had an active role in environmental issues and participated in local elections without success.
The Republic of Cyprus is enhancing its military capabilities through new arms purchases, aiming ultimately for NATO membership. President Christodoulides highlights the importance of strengthening defense capabilities, particularly in the Eastern Mediterranean. Cyprus has already acquired missile defense systems from Israel, replacing older Russian systems. These moves strengthen ties with the West and contribute to the country's economic and strategic security.
Starting January 7, 2024, defendants and convicts will be directly transferred to Central Prisons instead of being held in police detention. This change will reduce the burden on the police and streamline the detention process, as renovations have been completed in a new wing of the prison. The new wing will accommodate 240 inmates and ensure a controlled flow of prisoners. This decision resulted from an agreement between the Police and the Prison Department.
Spain has the lowest police salaries among major European countries. In Cyprus, the average salary of a police officer in 2023 is 1,793 euros. The wage gap between male and female police officers remains significant, with men typically earning over 10% more. Luxembourg is the only country where female officers earn more than their male counterparts.
The crash of a Boeing-737 in South Korea resulted in the death of 179 people, raising many unanswered questions. Authorities are investigating the causes of the tragedy, which may involve the aircraft's systems and weather conditions. Experts note that aviation accidents typically involve multiple factors. The investigation is expected to take months to determine the exact causes.
Cyprus is already facing significant impacts from climate change, including rising temperatures and prolonged droughts. The National Strategy for Climate Change Adaptation is being revised in collaboration with international and local experts. Targeted adaptation measures are proposed for various sectors, such as agriculture and public health. The strategy aims to enhance Cyprus's resilience to the effects of climate change.
The Central Bank of Cyprus issued a commemorative 2-euro coin marking 20 years since Cyprus joined the European Union. Released in 2024, the coin has sparked significant demand among collectors, with its price now reaching 1,400 euros. Initially priced at 20 euros, it has become a valuable item. Despite its limited release, the coin is highly sought after by collectors.
President Christodoulides is determined to upgrade the naval and air bases of the Republic of Cyprus in Mari and Paphos to leverage Cyprus's geographical advantages. The bases will remain under Cypriot control, with opportunities for collaboration with other countries. The President expresses a desire for Cyprus's NATO membership and anticipates the arrival of American experts in January. Discussions regarding the Cyprus issue are ongoing, including communications with the EU and the UN.
The Akamas area has been negatively affected by recent rains, making the forest roads dangerous. The improvement of the road network has been stalled for 12 months due to violations of environmental regulations. The Ministry of Agriculture's leadership has changed, but the progress of the disciplinary investigation remains uncertain. While former officials are held responsible, the actual culprits do not seem to face any penalties.
ADMIE confirmed that the Concession Agreement for the project with Great Sea Interconnector is temporary and will be revised if investors become involved. The Republic of Cyprus is requesting substantial changes to the terms of the agreement, confirming concerns expressed by American advisors. The current agreement is considered economically risky for Cyprus. The role of the American advisors is seen as accurate, demonstrating that the existing agreement does not protect Cyprus's interests.