Anne Denousatel, a French woman who was defrauded by a scammer posing as Brad Pitt, lost over €800,000. She decided to share her story in her book titled "I Will No Longer Be a Prey", released in September. In her book, she discusses the emotional and financial issues she faced. She also reflects on her second marriage and the challenges she encountered. Her story serves as a warning about how anyone can become a victim of scams.
Seven former directors of the Department of Forests express concerns and criticism regarding the Cabinet's decision to transfer the Department to the Ministry of Interior. In their letter to President Christodoulides, they state that this decision is illegal and harmful to the holistic management of forests. They emphasize that the Department's personnel are always ready to prevent and extinguish forest fires. Transferring the personnel would lead to significant issues in the Department's operations. They urge the President to reconsider this decision.
A 74-year-old woman in Limassol fell victim to an online Romance Scam. She was convinced to send €18,000 to a man she met on Facebook, who claimed to be a doctor from Gaza. Their communication lasted three months, during which he gained her trust. He repeatedly asked for financial help, claiming to face difficulties. By the time she realized it was a scam, it was too late, and the money was already gone.
The Auditor General of the Republic, Mr. Andreas Papaconstantinou, raised concerns about the awarding process for electronic IDs to JCC. He indicated that JCC gained an advantage in preparing 100,000 electronic IDs and that the tender announcement was delayed. It took over a year for bids to be submitted, limiting competition. The Auditor General commented that the awarding process could have been initiated earlier, allowing more companies to participate. He emphasized the need for more options before making a final decision.
The Commissioner of Legislation identifies serious violations of the rights of an inmate who reported rape. The inmate is being held in inadequate conditions, almost in complete isolation, lacking access to outdoor spaces. There is a need to provide him with the necessary conditions for his protection and rights. Among the recommendations are providing psychological support and ensuring the confidentiality of his phone communications. The Commissioner emphasizes the need for either his transfer or the improvement of his detention conditions.
In Lidoriki, a 5-year-old child passed away suddenly while reportedly suffering from a mild virus. Despite resuscitation efforts, the doctors were unable to save the child. The incident has shocked the local community, and authorities are investigating the causes of death. An autopsy is required to determine the cause of death and assess any necessary public health measures. Preventive actions, such as disinfecting the kindergarten attended by the child, have already been taken.
Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy has been found guilty of criminal conspiracy regarding the funding of his 2007 campaign by Gaddafi. While he was acquitted of other charges, his sentence is expected to be announced soon. Sarkozy has repeatedly denied the allegations, claiming that they are part of a political conspiracy. The case involves large amounts of money and highlights a 2005 agreement for illegal funding. He retains the right to appeal.
Odysseas Michaelides responds to the decision of the Legal Service not to charge him with alleged contempt of court. He claims the situation was expected since there was neither contempt nor a court. He asserts that the Attorney General will not silence him and that he will continue to defend justice and truth. Michaelides emphasizes his legal position, stating that the Council that dismissed him is not a court under the law. His opposition to the Attorney General is both political and personal.
Turkish President Erdoğan is preparing to visit the White House for the first time in six years. His agenda includes agreements worth over $50 billion for military aircraft and LNG purchases. The visit aims to renew relations with the U.S., while Turkey seeks to strengthen its position in NATO. However, obstacles remain, such as the S-400 issue and reactions from Congress and Israel. Turkey is looking for U.S. support regarding the geopolitical tensions in Syria.
With just days left before the deadline for replacing faulty airbags, 19,400 vehicles remain pending. The Ministry of Transport's awareness campaign aims to inform the public about the dangers. Despite efforts, dealerships and authorized workshops are struggling to meet the demand for replacements. There are calls for an extension to complete the process. The final decision is expected soon.
Police discovered a human embryo inside a glass jar during a raid at the apartment of a retiree in Attica. The investigation was prompted by a complaint about illegal possession of ancient artifacts. Several antiquities, including vases and books, were also found. The embryo will be sent for forensic examination, while the antiquities will be transferred to a museum. The retiree will face legal consequences for the possession of these items.
The Attorney General announced that there will be no criminal charges against Odysseas Michailidis, despite sufficient evidence for contempt of court. Michailidis made public statements that caused concern and led to a public discussion. Despite calls for evidence, his claims remained unsupported. This decision includes a warning that similar behavior will not be tolerated in the future. The legal service has provided guidance for investigating the case.
Hrysis Pantelidis, a member of parliament from DIKO, highlights the issue of corruption surrounding the assignment of the Vasilikos terminal project to a Chinese consortium. He claims that some politicians embezzled funds, causing the Cypriot state to pay the price for these decisions today. He anticipates the outcomes of the European Public Prosecutor's investigation, emphasizing the need to acknowledge corruption. He stated that we must speak simply for the public to understand the situation. The responsible ministers and board members are identifiable, and the problem is challenging to resolve.
Transport Minister Alexis Vaftis has summoned a foreign expert to investigate the bus fires occurring since 2020. The recent incident in Paphos has raised concerns about the safety of school buses, which are often quite old. The Paphos public transport company has been fined for violating its contract regarding the procurement of new buses. The minister emphasized the need for strict checks and that various cases will be examined. The company is reportedly in negotiations to purchase new buses by 2026.
A fatal accident occurred at the Agios Domethios Racetrack involving a 67-year-old man who was struck by a runaway horse. The incident happened before the first horse race when the horse threw off its rider and continued running uncontrolled. The man, who was a stable worker, tried to stop the horse and was hit. He was transported to the hospital but unfortunately passed away a few hours later. Authorities are investigating the exact circumstances of the accident.
The shortage of nurses in Cyprus is causing strong disagreements among nurses, private hospitals, and the Employers' Federation. The Cyprus Nurses and Midwives Association opposes proposals to change the nurse-to-bed ratio. In contrast, employers stress the need for immediate solutions as the situation leads to closed beds and postponed surgeries. The Ministry of Health has not made public statements, but the Nurses Association emphasizes the need for a stable and clear legislative framework. Overall, it's clear that the situation requires urgent and strategic interventions.
A new bill states that apartment owners who do not pay common expenses will not be able to sell their properties. Proof of payment will be required for any property transfer. This measure aims to reduce the issue of non-payers and protect other owners. Furthermore, the management committee will have the authority to impose penalties on those who neglect their payments. The bill also includes regulations regarding the management committee's compensation.
Lung cancer can become treatable if diagnosed early. The suggested examination is low-dose CT scanning, which can also detect other severe conditions. Experts are urging the Ministry of Health to implement a population screening program for high-risk groups. Significant statistics show that early diagnosis can reduce mortality rates by 20%. If not addressed early, lung cancer may have serious health consequences and substantial costs for public health.
Recently, there were reports that elections in Nicosia might not take place due to the withdrawal of candidates, such as Costas Gavriilidis. However, in Limassol, the situation is different, as interested candidates still exceed available positions. Gavriilidis expressed frustration but emphasized his intention to remain active within DISY. His decision to withdraw is aimed at preserving unity within the party. He acknowledges that such discussions could lead to divisive reactions in society.
Cyprus is tasked with deciding the fate of Igor Grechushkin, who is wanted by Lebanon for the 2020 Beirut explosion. Grechushkin, a Cypriot citizen, was arrested in Bulgaria based on a request from the Lebanese government. EU's Petruhhin ruling allows Cyprus the option to prosecute him instead of extraditing him. Although Cypriot authorities are informed about the case, they do not have an extradition agreement with Lebanon. Cyprus's decision will impact its relations with Lebanon and the EU.
President Christodoulides delivered a direct criticism of Erdoğan during his speech at the UN General Assembly. He emphasized the need for Turkey to acknowledge its responsibilities and to end its occupation of Cyprus through negotiations. He highlighted similarities between the Russian and Turkish invasions, calling for collective action against aggressors. Christodoulides stated that illegality cannot be accepted under any circumstance. He also expressed his readiness to take on the responsibility for the reunification of Cyprus.
The government is trying to repay €67.2 million to CINEA, related to the Vasilikos terminal. The European mechanism rejected the government’s arguments and requires payment by November 6. There are also concerns about how the process of selecting a new contractor for the projects at Vasilikos will proceed. The likelihood of a legal battle with the EU has been abandoned as it may complicate matters further. The situation remains uncertain with studies scheduled by the French company Technip.