5 Minute News

Giorgos Mazonakis claims that his admission to a psychiatric clinic happened without his consent and knowledge. He accuses relatives of trapping him as he was preparing to file lawsuits against them. His commitment was ordered by a prosecutor following an evaluation by psychiatrists. He expresses his outrage over what he considers a malicious and planned situation against him. He states he is healthy and thanks the public for their support.

The Joker lottery draw took place with the largest amount in history, €26.5 million, on Thursday, August 14, 2025. This amount follows 44 consecutive draws without a major winner. The lucky numbers drawn are 16, 1, 24, 28, 22, and the Joker number is 4. Many people are hopeful they will be the next big winners. This draw has generated a lot of excitement.

A dangerous incident occurred in Pedoulas when an unknown person threw burning coals into a waste bin, causing a fire. The flames spread to the yard of an unoccupied house, but thanks to the immediate intervention of neighbors, a larger disaster was avoided. Three fire trucks arrived and brought the fire under control. The Community Council warns about the need for caution and vigilance. This act highlights the dangers posed by irresponsible actions in the community.

On August 13, 2025, a 22-year-old was reported kidnapped from the Reception Center in Kofinou. The young man met with three individuals who took him to another location. After 30 minutes, his friends contacted the police concerned about his lack of communication, as his phone had been turned off. Later, the 22-year-old managed to call, stating that he had been kidnapped and was found with abrasions on his face and neck. The police continue the investigation and have issued an arrest warrant for the suspect.

The Larnaca Police are on high alert following arson of four vehicles and gunfire in Pyla. This incident marks the fourth serious crime related to organized crime in just one month. The perpetrators approached the car yard with their faces covered. Firefighters arrived quickly and extinguished the fire before it spread. The police are investigating possible connections between recent criminal activities in the area.

The Electricity Authority of Cyprus (AEC) released an emergency load shedding plan to address electricity production shortages. This plan includes consumer load groups across Cyprus, with outages lasting up to 30 minutes. The Transmission System Manager (TSM) announced that due to high temperatures and production unit failures, load shedding was necessary. Today's situation appears to be improving, significantly reducing the chances of further outages. If unexpected failures arise, the next load shedding will begin with group 13.

Three elderly individuals are hospitalized with severe heat stroke at the General Hospital of Nicosia due to the heatwave. Their ages are 72, 73, and 90. Their health condition is serious but stable, showing signs of improvement. Furthermore, emergency departments are experiencing increased admissions due to heat stress and dehydration, especially among the elderly. Experts emphasize the need for adequate hydration and avoidance of sun exposure.

Iakovos Pastou, a 14-year-old boy, was killed during the bombing of the 'Salaminia' hotel in Famagusta in 1974. This bombing occurred during the Turkish invasion, resulting in Iakovos's death and that of another employee. The image of Iakovos, hanging upside down in the rubble, became a symbol of the horrors of war. Iakovos was intelligent and kind, working at the hotel to support his family. His story highlights the brutality of war and the loss of innocent lives.

A serious incident of assault against a public prosecutor occurred in Nicosia. The incident happened after the Court of Appeal rejected a request from a 21-year-old detainee. The mother of the detainee allegedly verbally and physically attacked the public prosecutor. The police were notified to ensure the prosecutor's safety. No arrests had been made by yesterday afternoon.

Four vehicles were destroyed by arson at a car depot on the coastal road of Pyla. According to police, two individuals poured flammable material on the cars and set them on fire. Gunshots were heard during the incident, but no injuries were reported. The police are conducting investigations to determine if this incident is linked to other criminal activities in the area. This situation has raised concerns for the local authorities.

Global instability makes self-sufficiency in essential raw materials necessary. Cyprus traditionally had a developed primary sector, significantly contributing to the economy and employment. However, the shift to services has led to neglect of this sector. Many households still prefer to produce their own olive oil instead of buying from stores. Economist Tasos Yasemidis emphasizes the need to reevaluate local product production.

Pindaru intensifies the confrontation with the parties AKEL and VOLT, questioning their stance towards Turkey. After emphasizing the need to hold accountable for the management of the Cyprus issue, DISY attempts to retain its voters leaking to ELAM. Her remarks focus on the ideological differences with the left-wing parties. AKEL responds later, though its reaction is not immediate. This conflict reveals the current political strategies on the Cypriot scene.

The European Union has not made agreements with Turkey in the fields of security and defense, meaning Turkish companies are not allowed to participate in procurements under the SAFE funding tool. EU Defense Commissioner Andrius Kubilius emphasized that the EU protects the security and defense interests of its member states, including Cyprus. MEPs Loukas Fourlas and Michalis Hadjipantelas raised the issue of Turkey's occupation of European territory and its provocative rhetoric. The Commissioner noted that SAFE procurements must serve the EU's objectives exclusively, and only entities meeting strict conditions may participate.

The Cyprus Police have been on alert for pirate taxi drivers since last week. A new law imposes an increased fine of €300 for illegal passenger transport. The fine is now nearly tripled from the previous penalty of €85. Despite criminal charges, pirates continue to operate due to a lack of witness testimonies from passengers. There is a need for better implementation of the legislation, as pointed out by legal and police officials.

In 1974, while Cyprus suffered from political and social turmoil due to the coup and Turkish invasion, sports, especially football, continued to provide hope and joy. Football players competed with limited resources, doing everything possible to participate in matches. The First Division Championship started under difficult conditions in 1974, with several refugee teams participating. For instance, Anorthosis won the Coca-Cola Cup in 1975. Despite the challenges, sports played an important role in supporting the Cypriot society during this tough period.

On June 23rd, wildfires devastated the mountainous areas of Limassol, but the residents are striving to rebuild their lives. The local community is preparing for the Assumption Day festivities, inviting visitors to support the affected areas. Despite the challenges, hope and determination remain strong among the inhabitants. Community leaders emphasize the need for support and encouragement from locals and expatriates alike. These events symbolize a resistance against the destruction and a commitment to revival.

Athanasios Chrysaftis shares his memories from the 1974 war in Cyprus, where he served in the ELDYK. He emphasizes that the Turkish victory was due to the betrayal of the junta, as the defense plan 'Aphrodite 3' was not implemented. He mentions that the military forces were not adequately prepared and that the Cypriot soldiers suffered considerable losses during the invasion. The failure of the counteroffensive was felt with the loss of lives and the non-execution of strategic plans. Chrysaftis' experience highlights the importance of historical memory among the veterans.