5 Minute News

A significant earthquake of 6 magnitude occurred near Kasos, with tremors felt in various areas of Cyprus. The earthquake's depth is estimated at 55.9 kilometers, and no damage has been reported. Residents of Crete experienced three waves during the tremor, but there are no reported impacts according to initial statements. Warnings for a possible tsunami have been sent to residents in southern Greece.

A pistol was found in a grave in Sphalaggiotissa linked to a shooting case. The firearm belongs to the mother of the 49-year-old accused. The accused has been identified through surveillance footage, showing he had disputes with the complainant. The pistol and cartridges have been seized for forensic examination.

In Larissa, a 21-year-old is accused of fatally stabbing his mother 25 times after an argument over financial issues and pressure to find a job. After the crime, he called his cousin for help in moving the body. Authorities arrested them when a neighbor noticed their suspicious behavior and contacted the police. The 21-year-old faces charges of intentional murder and other offenses.

Marianna Pafiti has lived for 23 years with progressive multiple sclerosis and requires daily support, yet the government does not recognize her as needing care. She advocates for equal treatment and voices her concerns about systemic injustice in the evaluation process. She references the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities to support her claims. This situation highlights significant issues in the assessment system and the support for individuals with disabilities.

Authorities are investigating a case involving a kangaroo that was dismembered in a parking lot in Deryneia. The autopsy revealed that the animal was killed by slaughter, contradicting a claim by a 36-year-old foreign national who stated he found it dead. Investigations are ongoing to locate the site of the illegal slaughter and to find another accomplice.

The Kalavasos bridge continues to raise concerns due to its low height, which is 60 centimeters below the required standard. MP Christos Orphanides and community leader Lefteris Sozos express fears about access difficulties for emergency vehicles. Although the Public Works Department insists there is no problem, this case highlights delays in important infrastructure projects. The area includes sensitive installations, raising further safety concerns.

The Missing Persons Commission is searching for the whereabouts of missing persons in the occupied village of Mia Milia and other areas of Cyprus. Focus is on the hunt for hero Tasos Markou and 14 missing Greek Cypriots in Sysklipos, where numerous unsuccessful excavations have taken place. A new hope has emerged for locating the missing, thanks to testimony from a Turkish veteran. The work continues under complicated conditions due to the presence of the Turkish army.

The Electricity Authority of Cyprus announces that the installation of smart meters continues in May. New meters will be installed in areas of Nicosia, Limassol, Larnaca, Paralimni, and Paphos. The process will require a power outage of about 20 minutes. The Authority apologizes for any inconvenience that may occur.

The report from the Audit Office criticizes the Judicial Service for lacking control and proper management. Notably concerning are the findings regarding the disappearance of books from the Supreme Court library and the renewal of a contract for a former President with no ongoing work. Additionally, delays in decision-making have led to sanctions from the ECHR. The report emphasizes the need for improved management and oversight within the judicial system.

The family of Thanasis Nikolaou is requesting the Attorney General to initiate criminal charges regarding his murder. Their requests include pursuing charges against certain individuals and appointing trusted private lawyers for legal representation. This intervention follows investigations that revealed responsibilities and findings indicating criminal activity. The Legal Service is reviewing the investigators' report, but a decision on how to proceed with the case has not yet been made.

The Minister of Justice has sent a letter to the Supreme Court requesting a quicker handling of cases involving young offenders. This initiative aims to deter delinquent behavior among youth, as there has been an increase in serious incidents. There is also consideration for collaboration with the Ministry of Education regarding the consequences for students found guilty. It is noted that swift justice could act as a deterrent for future delinquent actions.

The Cyprus Automobile Association plans to hold the Finikoudes Larnaca Rally 2025 without the necessary permits, leading to strong reactions from the Cyprus Automobile Federation and other authorities. Despite the Association's assurances of compliance, officials maintain that only the Federation has the authority to organize such events. The Department of Environment has expressed a negative stance on the event's licensing, emphasizing the need to protect Natura 2000 areas. The Association encourages interested participants to join, despite the concerns raised by the relevant authorities.

The Environmental Authority rejected the application for the construction of a 49.5 MW wind farm near protected areas. The reasons include the significant impacts on the habitats of protected species, such as the Bonelli's Eagle and the Lesser Kestrel. New scientific data from after 2019 revealed increased risks for these species due to wind turbines. The authority emphasized the already burdened state of the area from previous developments.

In the municipality of Polemidia, plans are underway to construct the Cyprus Jewish Academy of Excellence, an international private school with a budget exceeding 50 million euros. The school aims to provide high-level education with an emphasis on Jewish values and standards. It is expected to open in 2027 and accommodate 1,500 students. Rabbi Yehoshua Smukler will oversee the school, aiming to strengthen the Jewish community in Cyprus.

In the military court of Nicosia, authorities charged the Command Sergeant Major with responsibility for the death of Private Panagiotis Gianniou. The prosecution stated that the accused gave incorrect orders for Gianniou to jump from a helicopter under inappropriate conditions. The proceedings highlight a series of errors that demonstrate negligence and a lack of safety. The case is moving toward adjudication with serious charges of criminal responsibility.

A recent decision by the Cypriot court condemned two women from Hungary who advertised the sale of Greek Cypriot properties in the occupied areas, offering the Republic of Cyprus diplomatic and political opportunities. This ruling demonstrates that legal action against illegal exploitation is feasible and has already triggered responses from the Turkish Cypriot leadership. Ersin Tatar accused Greek Cypriots of attacks and claimed that they will not abandon the two-state policy. There is concern in the area about the impact of this ruling on the real estate sector.