European legislation protects passenger rights in cases of flight cancellations, delays, or denied boarding. Regulation 261/2004 of the EU provides compensation and other rights depending on the situation of the flight. In case of flight cancellation, passengers are entitled to a refund, an alternative flight, or compensation ranging from €250 to €600. For delays over 3 hours, there are also compensation rights. Passengers should contact the relevant authorities for assistance and information.
For the second day in a row, Cyprus is experiencing rolling power outages due to high electricity demand. The outages began in the evening and last up to half an hour. This situation has been caused by extreme temperatures. Power cuts have already occurred in areas of Nicosia. Authorities are working to restore balance in the power supply system.
In New Zealand, a farmer is on trial for serious charges, including the rape of his wife and his adoptive daughter. The accusations span nearly two decades of abuse, with the adoptive daughter claiming there were almost 300 incidents of rape. Additionally, the man faces charges for sexual acts with animals, demonstrating extreme views on rape. His defense argues that his relationships with his daughter and wife were consensual. The case has sparked outrage in the local community.
The new school year in primary education is starting with many policies and innovations. Teachers will return to schools on September 1st, while students will start classes on September 8th. Significant changes are expected, such as the expansion of compulsory pre-primary education and updates to the curricula. Moreover, there will be support programs for children with a migration background and increased teaching hours. The Ministry of Education is also planning training actions for teachers.
A serious incident occurred at the Court of Appeals in Nicosia where a public prosecutor was attacked after a request from a 21-year-old defendant was denied. The defendant's mother allegedly verbally and physically assaulted the public prosecutor, causing a disturbance. The police were notified immediately to ensure the prosecutor's safety. The defendant faces charges of drug possession and threats to a police officer. The police have begun investigating the incident.
The drug enforcement agency seized 9 kilograms of cocaine worth over one million euros from a 45-year-old suspect. The suspect used a vehicle owned by his convicted brother to transport the drugs. During his arrest, a close associate was seen gathering information and asking citizens if the suspect had been caught. The suspect appeared in court, and the police requested his detention for 8 days. The investigation is ongoing to uncover further links to major drug traffickers.
The 'brain' of the vehicle involved in a fatal accident in Aglandjia will be sent to Germany to extract crucial data. The Traffic Police conducted a reconstruction of the incident to assess conditions like speed and visibility. The head of the Traffic Police stated that arresting the driver is unnecessary, as there is already sufficient evidence. The investigation continues with further testimonies and forensic reports pending. The victim's family has been kept informed throughout the process.
A fire broke out in a house in Avgorou, where a Cypriot family with two minor children lived. The fire started in the garage and spread to the interior of the house. The occupants attempted to extinguish the fire and inhaled smoke, necessitating their transfer to the hospital for precautionary reasons. Unfortunately, a family dog was found burned. The fire department attended to extinguish the fire.
Thirteen-year-old Majed Alashtar from Syria was found in the occupied areas after being missing from free areas since August. It is reported that he will soon be expelled to Turkey. Majed had requested permission to go to Ledra Street but did not return. Authorities from the Republic of Cyprus are in contact with the Turkish-Cypriot side to monitor the situation. Currently, Majed is held in an institution under supervision.
Christos Prodromou, former president of Cypriots refugees in Greece, shares his memories of the Turkish invasion of 1974. He was serving in Famagusta when Turkish forces invaded, experiencing deep distress as he was forced to abandon his post. He describes the chaos and his feelings during that time. Today, he continues to support refugees and has published books about the occupied areas. His story reflects the pain of Greek Cypriots and the importance of remembering these events.
The 1st Nicosia Biennale will take place from November 7 to December 6 in the occupied area of Nicosia, featuring creators from 22 countries. 'Southern Cyprus' will participate as a guest star, raising questions about the artists who choose to engage. Organizers emphasize the need for compassion and empathy, which seems ironic given the political climate. The biennale is organized by the cultural organization Arkhe and supported by the Turkish Municipality of Nicosia. Ambitious goals include creating a bridge between local and international artists.
The Joker has reached a new record with €26,500,000 for the next draw. In the recent draw, four lucky players won €100,000 each. Out of these, two winners are from Cyprus. The lucky numbers for the draw were 2, 9, 13, 26, 44, with 20 as the Joker number. The growing popularity of the game continues to attract interest.
The election campaign in Cyprus is shaped by pressure on major parties from other political forces. Recent events and statements regarding the Cyprus issue are causing conflicts both within and between parties. Annita Demetriou made statements that led to reactions, while former president Anastasiades criticizes the distancing from his policies. AKEL and VOLT are looking to exploit internal conflicts to attract votes. The issue of occupation and division is a point of contention among the parties.
The electric system in Cyprus faced power outages due to high consumption and a breakdown at a generation station. Authorities had issued warnings about the potential for outages earlier in the day. The situation was expected to stabilize in the evening, but concerns remained for the following day due to high temperatures. Despite efforts for restoration, the lack of reserves raises issues about the stability of electricity supply. Similar problems are also seen during winter periods.
The Interior Minister acknowledges the lack of an adequate information system that affects the monitoring of Turkish Cypriot properties. Currently, the state does not know how many of these properties have been returned or sold legally or illegally. In response to a parliamentary question, he notes that a competition for the creation of a new recording system is forthcoming. The situation has been recognized as an issue, but the current infrastructure does not allow for accurate tracking. Improvements are expected in the future for the modernization of the process.
After the arrest of five Greek Cypriots by the occupying authorities, the crossings to the occupied territories significantly decreased. From 85,000 crossings prior to the arrests, the number dropped to 69,000. The decrease is believed to be linked to fears of retaliation. Despite the situation, many Greek Cypriots continue to book accommodations in the occupied areas, using them for shorter routes. The strategy of the occupying regime seems designed to discourage Greek Cypriots from seeking their properties.
Greece is facing critical moments due to ongoing wildfires that have erupted in many areas of the country. Firefighters are struggling to contain the flames under difficult conditions, with evacuations of residents carried out through 112 messages. There is significant damage, including the destruction of forests, homes, and infrastructure. Despite a decrease in winds, the risk of new flare-ups remains high. Many communities have been evacuated and damages have occurred in various regions across the country.
High temperatures are expected over the weekend, reaching up to 45°C in interior areas and 37°C in mountainous regions. Authorities advise against unnecessary travel to avoid heat-related illnesses. Vulnerable groups such as the elderly and those with chronic conditions should take extra precautions. There is also a significant risk of fires due to the heat and increased electricity consumption. A slight temperature drop is forecasted after August 15th.
The movement of fans is once again a topic of discussion as the police disagree with the CFA's decision to allow visiting supporters to have 800 fans at away matches. Despite their disagreement, the police state they will respect the decision and abide by the laws regarding violence in stadiums. The CFA, according to sources, believes the issue was clarified in a previous meeting. Both parties intend to cooperate for the safety of the fans. These discussions arise ahead of the start of the A' Division football championship.