Following the announcement of the results from the national exams, public universities are organizing for the new academic year for incoming students. Many successful candidates are eager to secure their positions, while also waiting for results from universities in Greece. The process for reserving a place and the second allocation will conclude soon. Student participation is notable, with both the University of Cyprus and TEPAK recording high rates of reservations.
In the Joker lottery draw on July 29, the winning numbers were announced: 3, 15, 16, 39, and 43. The Joker number is 13. Lucky winners are expected to share at least 17 million euros. The draw has generated excitement among players.
The 40-year-old defendant was unanimously found guilty of the murder of Kyriaki Griva by the Mixed Jury Court in Athens. He was sentenced to life imprisonment, five years in prison, and a monetary fine. The father of Griva broke down in tears after the verdict, expressing his anger towards the defendant. The decision followed the rejection of the defendant's claims of diminished responsibility.
An elderly couple, Dimitris and Margo, tragically lost their lives in a fire near Limassol. They were trying to escape when they got trapped, and their car was engulfed in flames. Their relatives describe their love and the last moments they shared, highlighting the silence that followed their final communications. This is a heartbreaking story of loss that shocks their community.
Silvia Konstantinidou recounts her family's traumatic experience during the fire in Souni, which was completely destroyed. The family lost all their possessions and never received an evacuation notice. Firefighting forces did not appear, leaving residents feeling abandoned. Although they managed to escape, they lost their memories and dreams.
A 42-year-old man was found dead in the bathroom of his home in Paphos. His brother discovered him and alerted the police. Authorities are treating the case as a sudden death, with no signs of foul play. The body was taken to Paphos Hospital for confirmation of death.
A 21-year-old driver of a quad bike in Paphos lost his life in a serious accident. The vehicle, which was registered as immobilized, was used by Panagiotis Siik, who was not wearing a helmet. The driver lost control, crashed into bushes, and subsequently into a parked car. The Police are continuing their investigation into the causes of this tragedy.
Prevailing claims have surfaced regarding alleged coercion of the members of the Synodal Court linked to the dismissal of Barnabas and Raphael. Former abbot Nectarios asserts there was pressure from the Metropolitan of Tamassos regarding the court's decisions. The dismissed priests claim that the allegations against them are acts of revenge from other monks. This issue is dominating church circles and creating tension around the integrity and processes of the Synodal Court.
In Nicosia, a fatal car accident occurred, claiming the life of 20-year-old Kyriakos Antoniou. The crash happened in the morning, and the driver was taken to the General Hospital, where his death was confirmed. The two passengers of the other vehicle received first aid and were discharged. Authorities are investigating the causes of the collision.
The Audit Office reported that delayed tax debts to the state have reached €3.1 billion, with 45% of these likely to be uncollectible. This amount has tripled in the last 13 years, mainly due to delays in taking collection measures. For 2023, outstanding income tax debts amount to €2.5 billion, showing a significant increase compared to 2022. These delayed debts are related to company bankruptcies and ineffective management by the Tax Department.
A 44-year-old Azerbaijani with a British passport was arrested in Limassol, facing charges of espionage and facilitating illegal activities. At the time of his arrest, he had over €5,000 in cash and a professional camera. The charges include obtaining photographs and information about strategic areas in Cyprus. His case is scheduled for hearing on September 18.
President Nikos Christodoulides is facing pressure for political accountability due to the wildfires. He is keeping a tight lid on reshuffle plans, focusing instead on supporting the fire-affected communities. Political circles believe a reshuffle is necessary, especially regarding the Ministers of Justice and Agriculture. The government aims to improve its image through meetings and support measures.
In Paphos, a 21-year-old named Panagiotis Siak was involved in a fatal traffic accident shortly after midnight. Panagiotis lost control of his quad bike and crashed into a parked car. Despite the efforts of doctors, he succumbed to his injuries at the hospital. The traffic police are investigating the circumstances of the accident.
Arson is a complex act often linked to a variety of motivations. Arsonists may be driven by anger, revenge, or personal experiences, and they are usually fully aware of their actions. While the term 'pyromaniac' refers to those with a compulsive attraction to fire, most arsons stem from different motives. Ongoing investigations and arrests regarding arson in Cyprus indicate that authorities are attempting to better understand this dangerous behavior.
A week after the devastating fires in Limassol, citizens are showing solidarity by offering houses and other goods to those affected. The support also includes volunteer assistance for the restoration of ruined areas and care for animals. The community's mobilization reflects humanity and concern for fellow beings in difficult times. Citizens are using social media to offer help and organize actions.
The non-implementation of collective agreements in hotels may lead to strike actions by employees. Approximately 10,000 workers are affected, as one-third of hotels do not comply with these agreements. Neófytos Timinis, General Secretary of SΥXKA-PEO, stated that final decisions will be made after the salary payments. The Ministry of Labor emphasizes the importance of ensuring stable labor relations in the tourism sector.
Large amounts of aid have been collected for fire victims in the districts of Kourion and Polemidia, but mayors report a lack of clear planning from Civil Defense for its distribution. Local authorities have started distributing food and clothing on their own initiative, but better coordination is needed. This situation has resulted in complicated management conditions for the assistance. Due to the spontaneous response of the public, an organized distribution process is urgently required.
The cost of the recent wildfire in the mountainous Limassol region is estimated to range from 70 million to 100 million euros. Damages include 250 homes, 97 other properties, and agricultural crops. The government is working on compensating the affected individuals and assessing financial aid. Restoring the homes will be prioritized to ensure citizens can return to their residences quickly.