The Social Welfare Services have acknowledged that they were aware of the living conditions of five children who reported abuse. Despite their visits and actions, signs of abuse and exploitation were not detected. The Deputy Minister of Social Welfare has requested a detailed report on the case. The children are now under the care of the Welfare Services, and the case is being examined in the Criminal Court.
The Electricity Authority announced that it will continue to accept applications for photovoltaic connections until August 1, 2025. This comes in response to recent confusion regarding the process. The announcement pertains to the scheme for electricity production from renewable sources for self-consumption. With this information, interested parties can plan their applications accordingly.
The Famagusta Criminal Court acquitted five Israeli men charged with gang rape of a 20-year-old woman in Ayia Napa. The court found numerous contradictions in the complainant's statements and concluded that her testimony was not credible. The accused faced charges including rape, sexual assault, and other serious accusations, but were ultimately cleared of all charges. The case received international attention and sparked interest in the court proceedings.
A vehicle caught fire on the Limassol-Paphos highway near the Pissouri exit. As a result, all traffic lanes are closed in both directions. Drivers are advised to be particularly cautious and to drive at low speeds. The police have issued instructions for safe traffic management.
A serious traffic accident occurred on the Nicosia-Limassol highway involving three trucks, one of which caught fire. All traffic lanes have been closed, and a firefighting operation is underway. Three individuals have been transported to the hospital. The situation is currently under control.
Marine Le Pen, leader of the far-right party in France, was convicted for misappropriation of public funds by a French court. Along with her, eight MEPs from her party were found guilty of misusing €474,000. The prosecutor's proposal includes a three-year suspended prison sentence and a €300,000 fine. Additionally, twelve MEP assistants were found guilty of accepting illegal goods, with total damages amounting to €2.9 million.
The deadline for paying traffic camera fines has been extended until April 30th. This extension was granted to clarify the legality of issuing fines to citizens at entry points to the Republic. Vehicle owners are advised to check the status of any outstanding fines and settle any debts. Information and payment procedures are available through specific websites.
Starting April 2, 2025, all European travelers will need to obtain an electronic travel authorization (ETA) to enter the UK. The initial cost is £10, rising to £16 after April 8. The ETA is valid for two years and allows visits of up to six months. Applications will be reviewed by UK authorities within three days.
The Cyprus Electricity Authority is set to install smart meters in various areas throughout April. These areas include Nicosia, Limassol, Larnaca, Paralimni, and Paphos. The replacement of meters will require a temporary supply interruption of up to 20 minutes. The authority apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause.
Eugene Hampoulas announced his departure from DISY, expressing his disappointment over the party's drift away from its ideological roots. He stated that he cannot align himself with choices that do not represent him. His decision came after long reflection and internal dialogue. Among other things, he mentioned the need for a new political narrative in the country.
A 50-year-old man from Iran has been arrested for defrauding a 33-year-old woman out of €12,000. The woman contacted him for assistance in traveling to Germany and agreed to pay him in two installments. After arriving in Cyprus via Turkey, she found herself in a dangerous and threatening situation. The court has ordered his detention for 7 days while an investigation is underway.
The revelation of the abuse of five children by their parents has caused shock. The Welfare Services were aware of the children's dire living conditions. The Commissioner for the Protection of Children's Rights has initiated an investigation and is requesting a written report from the Welfare Services. Questions also arise regarding the reactions of the local community and the schools.
The President of the Republic announced a Christmas bonus of 250 euros for low pensioners. This amount, increased by 30% from last year, benefits over 11,000 recipients. The decision reflects the government's sensitivity towards low pensioners. This initiative is part of a series of support measures.
In Larnaca, a third robbery occurred within 24 hours, this time at a bakery in the Kamares area. Five masked individuals stole 350 euros from the register and fled in a stolen car. Previously, two more robberies had taken place at convenience stores. Authorities are conducting investigations in the area.
A fire broke out at a facility where five children, allegedly abused by their parents, were living. The fire was extinguished before spreading, but the building was completely destroyed. The parents have been arrested and face serious charges, while the children are now under the protection of Social Welfare Services. The case came to light after one of the children reported their situation at school.
Nicosia is asking the UN Secretary-General to appoint María Ángela Olguín as a special envoy, aiming for a stronger and more permanent presence in Cyprus. President Christodoulides emphasizes the necessity of continuous contacts and regular meetings leading up to the next multilateral conference. He expresses disappointment with Olguín's previous tenure, highlighting a lack of effectiveness. Nicosia hopes for a more active role from Olguín in preparing for the resumption of negotiations.
The National Guard received two H145M helicopters from Airbus, attracting international attention. The executive vice president of Airbus stated that the choice of this helicopter is particularly wise as it can perform various missions. The German magazine ESuT noted the operational capabilities of the H145M, pointing out that Cyprus is now the fifth user in Europe. This development strengthens the strategic capabilities of the Cypriot military.
The Smart Bus Stop and Shelter System in Cyprus has faced delays, with only a few installations completed. There are issues regarding the orientation and placement of the stops, leading to confusion among passengers. Despite this, the designers remain committed to the project's implementation, which is expected to modernize public transportation. The project incorporates advanced technologies and is designed to cater to various areas of Cyprus.
The decision regarding interest rate cuts by the ECB, expected on April 17, is significant for households and businesses with variable-rate loans. There are differing opinions on the ECB's trajectory after the upcoming meeting. Factors influencing the decision include energy prices and international policies. This meeting is considered particularly crucial.
The case of the fatal traffic accident in 2012 in Mouttagiaka, which resulted in the death of 17-year-old Andreas Loizou, has resurfaced due to Kyriakos Nicolaou's appeal to the European Court of Human Rights. The court is requesting the Attorney General to submit the case file for review. Demetriades notes that the Attorney General has a deadline until 2025; otherwise, questions about the accident must be answered.
Antimicrobial resistance is a serious problem in Cyprus, with the country reporting high rates of hospital-acquired infections. Many patients find that antibiotic treatments are no longer effective in treating infections. Deaths due to antimicrobial resistance in Europe reached 35,000 in 2020, with predictions that by 2050, it will cause more deaths than cancer. Patient cases in Cyprus highlight the urgent need for the development of alternative treatment methods.
Cyprus has achieved a significant 43% reduction in serious road injuries from 2013 to 2023, compared to the EU average of 13%. The country also recorded the largest decline in light injuries during the same period. Despite this progress, the reduction in serious injuries falls short of the 50% target for 2020-2030. Cyprus has taken steps to improve the recording of serious injuries in line with the MAIS3+ classification since 2017.