The Permanent Criminal Court of Famagusta found a man guilty of the sexual abuse of his partner's child. The charges include 29 counts of sexual abuse, production and possession of child pornography, as well as psychological harm to the victim. The accused committed these acts from when the child was 13 until just before they turned 16. The sentence will be announced later after the defense's plea for leniency. The proceedings were held behind closed doors due to the sensitivity of the matter.
Maria Angela Olgin, the personal envoy of the UN Secretary-General, will visit Cyprus on September 11. She will meet with President Christodoulidis and the Turkish Cypriot leader Tatar on September 15. Her visit was originally scheduled for September 1 but was postponed. Olgin is preparing for the tripartite meeting in New York at the end of September. This visit is important for diplomatic relations in the region.
Officials from the Department of Fisheries and Marine Research cleaned up oil pollution in Larnaca's harbor. The pollution was caused by bilge water, and the local authority was informed to clean the nearby beach in Oroklini. The Deputy Mayor stated that the situation is not alarming, as some visitors continued swimming. The pollution is expected to evaporate completely soon. Authorities are investigating the incident to prevent future issues.
By 2025, an investment agreement for the gas field 'Kronos' between Cyprus and Egypt is expected to be finalized. The first gas production is projected for 2027. The involved companies, ENI and Total/Energies, are collaborating with Egypt to develop the gas field. The agreements to be signed will cover the entire process from liquefaction to exports. This initiative aims to enhance energy security in the region and the EU.
Cyview is making a significant investment in the Latsia area by acquiring the plot that housed the Ginger Swimming Pool. The development will span 6,186 square meters and will include a multifunctional center for accommodation and recreation. Construction is expected to begin in 2026, with the goal of enhancing the urban landscape of Nicosia. The founder of Cyview emphasizes the strategic importance of the project for the economy and society. The company focuses on quality and sustainability in its projects.
Egypt will expedite the transfer of Cypriot natural gas to its infrastructure, aiming for the first quantities to be delivered to Europe by 2027. President Nikos Christodoulides emphasized the strategic importance of Cyprus-Egypt relations. Egyptian Foreign Minister Betr Abdelaty noted that cooperation with countries like Cyprus and Greece is crucial. Additionally, there are potential collaborations in sectors such as employment and agriculture. All parties agreed on the need to strengthen these relations for mutual benefit.
The death of young Panagiotis has been classified as a criminal act by forensic experts. The report rules out any pathological causes and identifies asphyxia as the primary cause of death. Irini Mourtzoukou remains the main suspect, although she denies any involvement. Panagiotis died at her home while under her care. This case raises significant concerns and attention in public discourse.
Giorgio Armani, the renowned Italian fashion designer, passed away at the age of 91. In his final interview, he revealed his indifference towards love, reflecting on a challenging personal life. He had relationships with both men and women but kept his romantic life private. The loss of his long-term partner, Sergio Galeotti, left a significant void in his life. He died peacefully at home, surrounded by his family.
Last night, a fire broke out in the Troodos area, which was fortunately extinguished quickly by a passerby. Authorities suspect the fire was set maliciously, as dry fuel was found at the scene. Fire services have information about planned arson activities in the area. Patrols in the region have increased to prevent similar incidents. The situation is serious, as if Troodos is burned, the environmental consequences will be devastating.
Today marked the first school bell for students in Cyprus' junior high schools, high schools, and technical schools, signaling the start of the new academic year. Education Minister Athina Michaelidou emphasized the changes in education, encouraging students to see school as a place of creation and collaboration. She mentioned new learning opportunities and innovation, including financial education and robotics. The minister highlighted the need for collective participation in educational change. She also stated that education should honor all students and society as a whole.
In Paphos, a 20-year-old driver hit a 17-year-old pedestrian while he was attempting to cross the road. The young man was taken to the hospital, where it was found that he had serious injuries, including fractures and internal bleeding. He is currently in the ICU of the hospital in serious condition. The driver underwent a breathalyzer test, which showed zero alcohol. The police are continuing to investigate the circumstances of the accident.
Students from the wildfire-affected communities in Limassol are returning to school despite the destruction. Though the landscape has changed, the spirit and thirst for learning remain strong. Community leaders express their readiness to support the children and have organized donations for school supplies. Students are experiencing the community's support and solidarity. The new school year begins with hope and preparation.
The government is implementing a new urban planning licensing framework for the reconstruction of buildings damaged by fires in the Limassol district. This process aims to expedite the approval of applications and support those affected. As of early September, 353 cases were identified, with many showing violations of license terms. For buildings without permits, applications will be reviewed quickly without the need for additional documentation. The goal is to speed up the restoration and rebuilding processes.
The discussion regarding Andreas Apostolou's candidacy for DIKO has started, with an initial briefing from the party president, Nikolas Papadopoulos. Positive contacts have reportedly taken place between Apostolou and DIKO, but no details have been disclosed yet. The issue will be revisited during the Executive Bureau meeting next Tuesday. Christos Orphanides, a DIKO MP, has requested clarification and is expected to address his own candidacy. It is anticipated that the party's proposed political agenda will be discussed, officially kick-starting the campaign for the upcoming parliamentary elections.
The Democratic Rally is gearing up for the parliamentary elections, with announcements for candidates expected in the coming days. The party leader announced the nominees, including Michalis Kounounis, who has made significant contributions in sports and society. The candidacy of Angeliki Rialas is also anticipated, while other candidates will be announced soon. The party leadership launched a campaign in the wildfire-affected areas of Limassol. George Pamboridis and Anastasia Anthousi are expected to respond soon to the invitation for participation.
The European Public Prosecutor's Office has launched an investigation into the €658 million funding awarded to EuroAsia Interconnector, a private company involved in the Israel-Cyprus-Greece electricity interconnection. There are suspicions of criminal offenses involving political figures and civil servants. The investigation focuses on how EuroAsia received this funding despite its lack of prior activity in the field. The European Commission, after initially supporting the project, is now suggesting the replacement of EuroAsia with a new entity. Tensions arising from Turkey appear to be influencing the project's progress.
After a year and a half, the government has decided to reinstate additional health benefits for public employees and retirees. These benefits include dental services and nutritional supplements for the elderly. The decision comes after pressures from union organizations that raised concerns about the unequal treatment of employees. The Finance Minister confirmed the return of these benefits, planning to extend them to other categories of public workers. This move aims to restore equity among beneficiaries.
The Fire Service insists that the fire in Oreenia Limassol may have been caused by malicious intent rather than being accidental. The report is ready and will be submitted to the Police for further investigation. Experts also confirmed that the fire likely began from cigarette butts. It is noted that discarding a cigarette is a criminal offense with serious penalties. The report details the firefighting efforts and the damages incurred.
The Independent Authority Against Corruption is expected to announce the findings of three investigations soon. One investigation concerns allegations against former presidential candidate Nikos Anastasiades, while another is related to former EDEK leader Marinos Sizopoulos. This latter investigation focuses on the cancellation of a €956,000 debt of Taxan Properties Developers Limited linked to Sizopoulos. The inquiry includes testimony from a research team and oral statements. The report has already been submitted to the Authority, with details expected to be released soon.