Dora Varosiotou, an unconventional judge, has been dismissed by the Supreme Judicial Council two years after taking office. Her dismissal is linked to various legal disputes and her investigation into the death of Thanasis Nikolaou. She overturned previous narratives about the case, revealing that the death was due to criminal action. Despite her success in the investigation, her career in the judiciary ended due to her stance against the system.
The Air Traffic Control Service in Cyprus manages approximately 420,000 flights each year and collects around 58 million euros from these operations. Charges for overflights are calculated based on the distance traveled, aircraft type, and weight. For example, an Airbus A320 flying from Larnaca to Athens pays about 400 euros. This revenue covers the service's expenses.
The Almas Movement is revisiting the issue of the towers in Larnaca, questioning the rush of DISY to respond to allegations directed at the Christodoulides government. They criticize DISY for its silence regarding political entanglements and the specific questions raised. The movement emphasizes the need for transparency and the importance of public discussion. Notably, they wonder if DISY's silence is due to having a 'dirty nest'.
The Supreme Judicial Council has decided to terminate the appointment of Judge Doria Varosiotou. This judge had conducted the death inquiry into the case of Thanasis Nikolaou and had rejected proposals to change her findings. The decision has sparked reactions within the legal community. News of the judge's dismissal has generated significant discussion.
The police are conducting investigations into a network of illegal activities, including drug trafficking and extortion. Six individuals, including a criminal and his businesswoman girlfriend, are in custody, with the possible involvement of three prison guards under scrutiny. These activities are estimated to have generated around one million euros in profits. Investigations are ongoing, and the police plan to request the opening of bank accounts for further examination.
The Secret Valley in Paphos was sold to the Columbia Group for €130 million after months of negotiations. This agreement is one of the largest property purchases in Cyprus. The complex already includes a golf course and other facilities, with future plans including a hotel and marine amenities. The Columbia Group has experience in hospitality with the Columbia Beach Resort in Pissouri.
A 46-year-old man was sentenced to eight years in prison by the Larnaca Criminal Court for the sexual abuse of his ex-partner's underage daughter. The charges included six counts of sexual offenses committed on various dates between 2021 and 2022. The underage victim, who testified as the key witness, was deemed credible by the court, while the accused denied the charges. The case was handled by the Republic's lawyer, Stalo Papouhi.
The solidarity of the commandos and military discipline were evident during the trial of Sergeant Marinos Ioannou regarding the death of Panagiotis Gianniou. After the announcement of his sentence, Ioannou thanked his colleagues for their moral support. The court's decision was eighteen months in prison, as he was found guilty of causing death through reckless conduct. Commandos stayed outside the courthouse to show their support and dedication to their military brotherhood.
Iranian Grand Ayatollah Naser Makarem Shirazi issued a fatwa calling for the assassination of Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu, labeling them as 'enemies of God.' This statement comes amid heightened tensions between Iran, the US, and Israel following recent military conflicts. Iran expresses doubts about the seriousness of a ceasefire agreement brokered by the US. The situation is further exacerbated by reports calling for executions, intensifying regional relations.
A suite has been prepared at the Archdiocese for Metropolitan Tychikos in case he decides to visit Nicosia. Archbishop Georgios will discuss with Tychikos about his role and desires, but the situation is complicated due to the statement of faith that has been drafted, which does not include the Council of Crete. The hierarchs are unsettled as Tychikos seems to be deviating from orthodox positions.
Cyprus plans to host a summit in 2026, with the participation of 27 EU member states and countries from the wider region. President Christodoulides mentioned that the summit aims to bring the EU closer to the region, acknowledging the challenges in the southeastern Mediterranean. Turkish President Erdogan will also be invited as part of a new strategic approach in Cyprus-Turkey relations.
Eurostat published a survey on household consumption expenditures in Europe. Luxembourg has the highest expenditure per capita, followed by Ireland and Belgium. In Cyprus, expenditures are also high at 21,879 PPS. Despite increases in many countries, some, like the Czech Republic, experienced declines in household consumption between 2019-2024.
The police arrested two individuals in connection with a robbery that took place in Paphos involving a couple of tourists. One of the arrested is a minor, and a third suspect is still being sought. The tourists sustained minor injuries during the attack and were taken to the hospital for treatment. Investigations are ongoing by the Paphos police.
Today, the sergeant of the Special Forces Unit is set to hear his sentence from the Military Court of Nicosia after being found guilty of the death of 27-year-old Panagiotis Giannios during military training. His lawyer requested that mitigating factors, such as his military history and family situation, be taken into account, suggesting a suspended sentence. His defense includes references to his human side, while current and former commanders are asking the court for leniency. The sergeant is said to have made a momentary mistake during the training exercise.
The Education Committee will review amendments that allow children with special needs to attend public schools until the age of 22. This adjustment aims to assist parents due to the lack of alternative facilities. Many stakeholders express differing opinions, with some calling for immediate solutions while others support the extension. There are concerns that the government is not implementing real changes in the education of children with disabilities.
Cyprus, led by Elena Odysseos, has taken over the presidency of the European Parents Association. The EPA represents over 150 million parents in Europe and works to promote parental involvement in education. Odysseos's election highlights Cyprus's recognition in the international arena of educational policies. The president discusses the challenges faced by the organized parents' movement.
Significant infrastructure projects for the reuse and storage of recycled water are advancing in Cyprus. These infrastructures aim to optimize the use of treated water mainly for agricultural purposes. In 2023, 90% of retrieved water was used for irrigation, with minimal discharge into the sea. This strategy supports the sustainability and resilience of the island against climate challenges.
The Larnaca District Authority is facing a serious problem with water leaks, receiving about 500 calls monthly. Water losses have reached 38%, with the municipality of Lefkara being the hardest hit at 70%. Despite the challenges, the organization states that water reserves are satisfactory and is working on improving network management. Action plans and technological systems have been developed to monitor and repair the damages.
Yesterday in the village of Kantou, Limassol, a serious car accident occurred resulting in the tragic death of 78-year-old Chrysanthi Konstantinou. The collision happened when her vehicle crashed into another car, leaving her trapped in the wreckage. The Fire Department assisted in her rescue, while the other three involved were taken to the hospital. Limassol Traffic Police are investigating the circumstances of the accident.
The upgrade of the European Union's defense capabilities is now seen as essential. The European Council encourages the development of collaborative projects and supports the European defense industry. These developments will directly impact Cyprus, promoting its defense enhancement and modernization of weaponry. President Christodoulides confirmed that the National Guard will invest in Cypriot companies.
The Cyprus issue is back on the agenda with preparations for a new informal five-party meeting to be held in July in New York. Maria Angela Olguin, the UN Secretary-General's envoy, is visiting London and Brussels to meet with key officials. These meetings aim to gather insights for necessary collaboration regarding the current situation of the Cyprus issue. Following these visits, Olguin will conduct meetings on the island to prepare for negotiations.