5 Minute News

A dead body has been found in a car on the Platron - Limassol road. Initial police reports indicate that the body was discovered in the area of a recent fire. Members of the Limassol CID have arrived at the scene for investigations.

Several areas in Limassol and Paphos are without electricity due to a large wildfire affecting the region. The Electricity Authority of Cyprus (EAC) is working to repair the damages, but the situation is challenging, with numerous poles and transformers having burned. Generators are being transported from Nicosia to assist the affected areas. The fire started from Agia Marinouda and is spreading to Agia Barbabra.

The mother of Panagiotis claims that Irini Mourtzoukou, a former friend, is responsible for her child's death. She expresses her sadness upon seeing Irini on a TV show pretending to be a grieving mother. The mother now believes that Irini has committed crimes and is awaiting the truth from Justice. The cease-and-desist letter sent by Irini is deemed baseless by the mother's lawyer.

The Henley index has released the list of the strongest passports for 2025. Singapore ranks first, followed by Japan and South Korea in second place. The Cypriot passport is in 12th place, allowing access to 178 countries without a visa. The largest increase was seen in the Indian passport, which rose by 8 positions in the ranking.

The court in the occupied territory has extended the illegal detention of five Greek Cypriot citizens for another eight days. Their lawyers allege human rights violations and dispute the charges against them. The police claim the detainees were found with suspicious material, while the lawyers are demanding clarifications and medical examinations. UN officials were also present during the proceedings.

A Chinese citizen who acquired Cypriot citizenship through an investment program is seeking to suspend the cancellation of his golden passport. He faces charges from Interpol regarding bribery and is requesting a judicial stay pending legal proceedings. The applicant claims he was not informed about the Council of Ministers' decision to revoke his citizenship. His case raises concerns among authorities and may reveal legal ambiguities.

The Constitutional Supreme Judicial Council rejected Judge Doria Varotsi's request to return to her position. It agreed that it is not permissible to examine the case at this stage. The court's decision remains suspended, but does not produce immediate results. The process continues and focuses on whether Ms. Varotsi will return to her duties.

A 48-year-old man was sentenced to six years in prison for assaulting his partner and threatening to share personal videos of them. He was found guilty of several charges, including serious bodily harm and the threat of disseminating personal material. The trial was held behind closed doors to protect the woman's identity, who reported the incident. Her testimony was deemed credible by the court.

The process before the Supreme Constitutional Court has concluded, examining Judge Doria Varosiotis' request to return to her position. Her lawyer, Achilles Demetriades, raised four points regarding the delay in the decision. The Council’s representative noted that the suspension decision does not imply her return, and the status remains unchanged. The court's decision is expected today.

Today, the hearing of Doria Varosiotou's application began at the Supreme Constitutional Court. Her lawyer raised concerns about the composition of the Constitutional Council and the lack of new documents. The president of the court decided to proceed with the proceedings, despite raising issues regarding regulatory provisions. This development highlights the importance of transparency in legal processes.

Andros Pavlides, a historian, author, and television producer, recently passed away. Born in 1946, he had a diverse career in radio and television, focusing particularly on documentaries. He founded the publishing house 'Philokypros' and authored 37 works, including the Great Cypriot Encyclopedia. He was one of the most recognized cultural figures in Cyprus.

Louiza Zannetou was acquitted of the charge of failing to provide a sufficient alcohol sample. The Judge found that her inability to provide a satisfactory sample was due to improper actions during the testing process. Significant reasons were considered in her defense, along with testimonies from police witnesses. Ultimately, the Judge concluded that the charge was not sufficiently proven.

The government plans to tax severance packages given to employees who leave through voluntary exit plans, raising concerns among labor unions. This regulation is part of a tax reform bill set to take effect in 2026, where taxpayers will only be taxed on amounts exceeding the first €20,000 of severance. Significant backlash is expected from workers in banking and other sectors as these plans aim to improve organizational performance. Unions express concerns that the new tax could limit organizations' ability to reorganize effectively.

The situation with party ballots is challenging, as many candidates are declining to participate. The societal disdain for politics and the pressure on parties complicate the process. Party leaders are struggling to attract personalities from various fields. Additionally, unpredictable factors related to the upcoming elections further complicate the overall scenario.

The results of the Nationwide Entrance Exams reveal significant discrepancies in the scores of successful candidates in various fields. Some students are admitted with scores below the passing mark, such as 8s and 9s, while others achieve scores close to 20. The greatest variability in scores is seen in fields beyond just Psychology and Medicine, including History and Archaeology. This situation raises concerns about the quality of incoming students.

Cyprus is experiencing a heatwave with temperatures reaching up to 44 degrees Celsius. An orange warning is in effect from noon, requiring the halt of heavy outdoor work. Services and hospitals are on standby to address possible cases of heat exhaustion. Special attention should be paid to vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and those with chronic health issues.

Five Greek Cypriot refugees appear again in a pseudo-court in occupied Trikomo, facing charges such as illegal intervention and disturbance of public peace. The charges arose from complaints by residents in the Gastria area. Reports suggest that the five individuals may be considered spies because they carried maps and documents related to their properties. The government is closely monitoring the situation and awaits further developments.

The ongoing heatwave poses a concern due to increasing cases of gastroenteritis. Experts warn about improper food management under high temperatures. The Ministry of Health advises on proper food storage and preparation to prevent foodborne illnesses. Specifically, citizens need to pay attention to food refrigeration and hygiene practices.

The maximum electricity production in Cyprus has decreased due to faults in power stations while temperatures rise. Despite timely completion of maintenance, concerns grow regarding electricity demand coverage. The Transmission System Operator is requesting emergency measures, as demand may exceed available production. The upcoming days are critical as high temperatures are expected to persist.