5 Minute News

2 months ago

Vasilis Bispikis, a well-known actor, presented himself to the police after an incident where he allegedly caused damage to ten parked cars. His reckless driving ended when he crashed into a wall, abandoning his Ford Raptor at the scene. The actor admitted responsibility and was arrested. He is expected to be brought before the summary court, while it is being investigated whether he was under the influence of alcohol. The new Penal Code prescribes penalties for such cases.

MP Kostas Kostas expresses his deep disappointment regarding the decision of the AKEL Central Committee to exempt two MPs from term limits. He finds the decision unfair and emphasizes that his conscience remains clear. He highlighted his commitment to helping citizens and working for the common good. He also thanked the public for their support. His statement reflects his dedication to his principles and the values he stands for.

The DISY criticizes ELAM for supporting a proposal regarding an investigation into the railway tragedy in Tempi. DISY claims that ELAM disrespects Greece and exploits the memory of the victims. It emphasizes that full clarification of the tragedy requires seriousness, not political maneuvering. The statement accuses ELAM of collaborating with toxic voices in the Greek opposition. It highlights the need for responsible political conduct.

In India, a 5-year-old boy was decapitated in front of his mother by a 25-year-old assailant. The attacker used a spade to assault the child while he was playing outside near the village of Ali. The mother tried to save her son and was injured in the process. Neighbors rushed to help upon hearing her screams and severely beat the assailant, who later died in the hospital. The police are investigating the assailant's motives as he had been missing for several days prior to the incident.

Former Chinese Agriculture Minister Tang Renjian was sentenced to suspended death for corruption charges. He was found guilty of accepting bribes worth over 268 million yuan. The ruling is part of a strict anti-corruption campaign in China. Tang was expelled from the Communist Party in November 2024. Corruption is seen as a major threat to the party, according to President Xi Jinping.

The anti-narcotics agency conducted a search at the home of an 81-year-old man in Larnaca, discovering cannabis plants and a quantity of narcotics. Specifically, two plants over three meters tall and another measuring 90 centimeters were found, along with 118 grams of cannabis. The 81-year-old was arrested for questioning. The agency is continuing its investigation into the case. This operation was prompted by evaluated information received by the authorities.

A traffic accident occurred in Limassol on Sunday afternoon, resulting in the death of a 34-year-old motorcyclist. The motorcyclist was seriously injured and taken to the hospital, where he later died. The 20-year-old driver of the car underwent alcohol and drug tests, which returned negative results. Authorities are investigating whether the victim was wearing a helmet at the time of the collision. The police continue their investigation to determine the exact causes of the accident.

Today, around 12:30 PM, a traffic accident occurred in Limassol, involving a motorcycle and a car. The motorcyclist was seriously injured and was taken to a private hospital. The police report that his condition appears to be serious. The accident took place at the intersection of Agios Athanasios and Kandaras streets. Authorities are investigating the circumstances of the incident.

A 29-year-old man from Nepal was arrested for the fire that broke out in Platres. He claims he was drunk and threw a lit cigarette without realizing it caused a fire. Authorities found two fire spots, and firefighters were called to intervene. The suspect is being held for eight days and works at a local hotel. The investigation includes video footage showing the suspect near the fire locations.

Three suspects have been detained in connection with 102 kilograms of drugs found in a shipping container from Thessaloniki. The 61-year-old, previously arrested for similar offenses, reportedly resumed drug trafficking in Cyprus. The Anti-Narcotics Unit (YKAN) monitored the shipment closely, discovering the drugs hidden within inflatable toys. The two Bulgarian truck drivers were released due to a lack of evidence against them, while the three suspects face serious charges. The investigation is ongoing with further inquiries being conducted.

A 32-year-old foreigner in Limassol died after falling from the second floor of an apartment building. The incident occurred following a heated argument with his partner. He attempted to enter the bedroom through the window but lost his balance. Despite the doctors' efforts, he succumbed to his injuries in the hospital. The police are investigating the case as an unnatural death.

The police arrested a 29-year-old in connection with a fire that broke out in the Platres area on September 26, 2025. Two fire spots were found in the area, destroying a total of 220 square meters of wild vegetation. A witness statement was crucial for his arrest, and investigations are ongoing. The suspect is expected to appear before the Limassol District Court. The Limassol CID and the Platres Police Station are conducting the investigations.

Former French president Nicolas Sarkozy declared that he will not plead guilty to charges against him, despite receiving a five-year prison sentence. In an interview, he stated his intent to prove his integrity. He mentioned that he does not expect presidential pardon from Emmanuel Macron, as he has already filed an appeal against the ruling. Sarkozy argued that the charges are based on a forged document and stated that judicial procedures violated the limits of the rule of law. His sentence also includes a five-year ban from holding political office.

The police made a new arrest of a 30-year-old connected to a case involving 102 kilograms of drugs. The previously arrested 22-year-old was released without charges. The drugs were found in a shipping container that arrived in Cyprus. A total of four people have been arrested, and the suspects will appear in court. The Narcotics Division continues investigations into the case.

The Parliament passed a law that changes the terms of appeal in public contracts, increasing the amount required for an appeal to the Procurement Review Authority from 500,000 to 1 million euros. Despite intentions to reduce delays in public works, the law does not address core issues causing these delays, such as the procedures and documents involved in tenders. Legal experts and lawmakers express concerns that the new regulations may enhance corruption. It is noted that most appeals are reviewed quickly, indicating that delays are not caused by the companies. The new law is not expected to bring significant changes to the process of public contracts.

Turkey is advancing its expansionist plans regarding Cyprus, increasing its international influence. Erdogan emphasizes Turkey's significance in the Eastern Mediterranean and seeks involvement in any regional actions. Simultaneously, it aims to normalize relations with neighboring countries and proposes an International Conference for regional cooperation. Turkey uses its defense industry as a means of exerting influence and employs strategies of soft diplomacy. The situation remains complex, particularly due to challenges like the confrontation with Israel.

The political scene in Cyprus is showing significant volatility, with recent polls indicating possible shifts. While DISY has a slight lead in some surveys, AKEL seems to be gathering more support and potential returns from voters. Public indifference towards polls may affect electoral participation. The race for the top position in the elections remains open, with many factors at play. How disengaged voters respond and whether they re-engage in the electoral process will be crucial.

Erdogan supports the Palestinians and calls for the recognition of a Palestinian state, while also promoting recognition of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. At the UN General Assembly, he emphasized the need for countries to recognize the state of Palestine. He placed significant focus on the plight of Palestinians in Gaza, using it to bolster Turkey's position. Erdogan highlighted the existence of two states in Cyprus and the equality of Turkish Cypriots. His strategy appears to combine support for the Palestinians with his objectives in Cyprus.

Cyprus has the highest tax-free income in the EU, according to a study by the Parliament. Annual incomes up to €19,500 are tax-free, while taxes on higher incomes range from 20% to 35%. The Cypriot tax system is simplified but has limited social targeting and redistributive functions. There is a need for reform of the tax system, planned to be implemented in 2026. Improving family tax exemptions and the progressivity of taxation is crucial.

Rea Limnatitou, director of the School of Judges, discusses the training and independence of judges. She emphasizes that judges are trained after their appointment and that criticism should not lead to a devaluation of justice. Cypriot justice is characterized by integrity and impartiality, according to international reports. There have never been any allegations of judicial corruption. Finally, she mentions efforts to address delays in case processing.