Senar Elcil, the former head of the Turkish Cypriot teachers' union, sold Greek Cypriot land to businessman Simon Aykut, who is currently under trial. This sale has sparked significant discussions in the occupied areas because Aykut is facing charges of usurpation. Elcil, known for advocating for peace processes, has expressed readiness to guarantee for detained Greek Cypriots. The situation is further complicated by Aykut’s past and the recent sales of Greek Cypriot land.
In the Joker draw held on Sunday, August 3rd, the lucky numbers for the prize of €19,300,000 are 1, 8, 11, 20, and 22. The Joker number is 16. Winnings will be contributed by one or more winners.
New evidence emerges from the attorney of Judge Doria Varosiotou, Achilleas Dimitriades, regarding her dismissal from the Supreme Judicial Council. Questions are raised about the procedures followed, as well as issues of bias and lack of a hearing right for the judge. For the first time in judicial history, the services of a judge were terminated through unprecedented procedures. The independence of the judiciary is also called into question.
The Cyber Crime Unit warns the public about the spread of misleading posts that exploit sensitivity around the recent wildfires. Unknown perpetrators are sharing false stories about supposed individuals who lost everything, enticing people to provide money and personal information. The police advise the public to be cautious and not trust strangers. They recommend reporting such scams on the platform where they appear.
A 49-year-old woman has been arrested by the Police for allegedly deceiving a 75-year-old man out of 720,000 euros. She claimed to be a former bank employee with connections to help him acquire properties at bargain prices. The complaint was made in July 2025, and investigations are ongoing. The case involves obtaining property through false representation and money laundering.
The Limassol Police are investigating a kidnapping case involving two Syrians who had disappeared and were allegedly held in a warehouse. A Syrian citizen reported their disappearance, suggesting that the two men had financial disputes with a specific individual. Following investigations, this individual was located, revealing that the two men were bound in a warehouse in the Ypsonas area. Police subsequently arrested other individuals believed to be guarding the kidnapped men.
In a shocking video, 24-year-old Evyatar David is seen digging his own grave after nearly two years of captivity by Hamas. His family describes the situation as nightmarish, as he suffers from starvation. The Israeli Prime Minister condemned the act as humiliating and cynical. The family urges immediate action, highlighting David's desperate condition.
The Police at Paphos Airport are taking measures to avoid problems during the arrival of Brazilian footballer David Luiz. Hundreds of fans from Paphos FC are expected, which could cause inconvenience to other travelers. Fans are urged to park their vehicles before the airport and walk to it, to ease the situation. The police encourage adherence to their instructions to ensure a smooth reception event.
A firefighter from Cyprus, Avgou Trefonidou, responds to public criticism about the handling of the recent devastating fire in Limassol. She describes the challenging conditions they faced during firefighting and emphasizes the priority placed on saving human lives. She calls for respect for their work and states that firefighters work with dedication and self-sacrifice. She opposes accusations that they acted irresponsibly during the crisis.
A child fell from a height of 9 meters while trying to go out to the yard through a kitchen window. They were taken to the hospital with serious injuries, but their condition is considered serious but stable. Evidence suggesting a scuffle was found at the scene. Authorities are continuing investigations to identify the child.
Europe is facing a growing housing crisis affecting many citizens. The European Commission is preparing a strategy for affordable housing to ensure social justice in the region. A public consultation for this plan started in July and will conclude in October, aiming to gather proposals from citizens and stakeholders. Rising prices and rents are complicating access to housing, especially for vulnerable groups.
Professional associations of accountants and lawyers are expressing concerns about the proposed tax reform. They question whether the new provisions will grant excessive powers to the Tax Commissioner, leading to tax-related intimidation. The Tax Commissioner, Sotiris Markidis, emphasizes the need for enhanced compliance and invites dialogue regarding the bills. The situation is causing tension, and meetings with the Ministry of Finance are scheduled to address these issues.
Tourism in Cyprus is experiencing record-breaking revenue, with May 2025 showing earnings of 373.3 million euros. Israeli tourists are the most generous, spending an average of 153.11 euros per day. They are followed by Swiss and Dutch tourists, who also have high expenditures. Tourists from Greece spend the least.
Colin Stewart, during his tenure in Cyprus, stated that there is no scenario for the northern part to be recognized as an independent state. He highlighted the risks of not reaching a solution, which could lead to a de facto situation. He is optimistic that the Turkish Cypriots will re-engage in the discussions for a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation, although he observes a lack of trust and unwillingness to compromise. He emphasized the importance of recognizing that ordinary citizens suffer from political decisions.
The fire in Limassol had serious consequences, resulting in two deaths and extensive damage to homes and forests. George Boustras points out that the evacuation process and prevention methods have remained unchanged for years, with no significant improvements. He emphasizes the importance of mass emergency messaging and notes that the situation is aggravated by the lack of proper coordination among services. There is an urgent need for a cultural shift and risk reduction.
There is confusion among professional bodies regarding the tax reform being prepared by the Government. Some organizations oppose certain provisions in the draft bills, claiming they grant excessive powers to the Tax Commissioner. The government plans to submit the bills for discussion in parliament in September. Professionals are seeking changes and more consultation.
The wildfire in the mountainous Limassol region caused significant upheaval in the political landscape, putting President Christodoulides in a challenging position. Following a government meeting, support measures were announced for the affected areas, with plans for rapid damage restoration. The appointment of a Mountain Areas Commissioner aims to facilitate communication between the government and residents. The goal is timely and effective response to the needs of those affected.
Five Greek Cypriots were kidnapped under instructions from Turkey, as retaliation for the prosecution of property usurpers. The charges against them are baseless and relate to their visits to their own properties. The occupying side aims to link their release to the case of usurper Simon Aykut. This situation highlights the motives behind the actions of the occupying government.