Developments are rapidly unfolding in the murder case of Stavros Dimosthenous, as authorities have re-arrested a 31-year-old Georgian. New testimonies appear to directly involve the 31-year-old in the murder. Authorities are examining these new findings and proceeding with further investigative procedures. Several other suspects are also in custody as police continue their scrutiny, and more developments are expected to shed light on the case. The investigation is ongoing with intense efforts.
The Anti-Corruption Authority is set to announce three significant findings in November, concerning serious political cases. The first report will address allegations about the political contributions of AKEL to DISY, related to golden passports. Additionally, a second report regarding an as-yet-unknown case will also be released. The Commissioner for Transparency indicated that 90% of complaints are dismissed due to lack of evidence. To date, the Authority has initiated 14 investigations, of which seven have been completed.
In old Nicosia, there was a small commotion when Turkish flags were displayed at Lello Dimitriadis Square. The flags were put up for the filming of a series but were quickly taken down following complaints from citizens. Nicosia's Mayor, Charalambos Proutzos, stated that permission was granted only for filming and not for the flags. The filming is for a Greek Cypriot production that recreates a scene from the 1960s. Lello Dimitriadis Square was chosen because of its strong resemblance to the now-occupied Seraglio Square.
A serious traffic accident occurred on Cavo Greco Avenue, resulting in serious injuries to four individuals, three of whom are Greek nationals and one is a Greek Cypriot. The accident involved two motorcycles, and it appears that the riders knew each other. The 33-year-old rider and his 22-year-old passenger are in critical condition in the hospital. The 17-year-old rider of the other motorcycle also sustained severe injuries and is being treated in the ICU. The police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the accident and are asking anyone with information to come forward.
The case of the murder of Thanasis Nikolaou, which occurred in 2005 in Limassol, has taken a swift turn. Twenty years later, Thanasis's family filed private criminal charges against five individuals because the Legal Service did not proceed due to insufficient evidence. The indictment was recently filed in the Limassol District Court and will be examined by judges. If approved, the charges will receive an official registration number. Court decisions are expected within the next few days.
Tensions remain high in Vorizia following the murder of 39-year-old Fanouris Kargakis and 56-year-old Evangelia Fragkiadaki. Fanouris's mother describes the tragedy and demands that the Fragkiadaki family leave the village. She claims that her son's execution was cold-blooded and condemns the behavior of the other family. There are suspicions that conflicts have been ongoing and provocative, with police involvement. The situation in the village remains challenging and relations between the families are strained.
Cypriot director Alexia Papalazarou passed away after a long battle with cancer. The sad news was shared by her sister, Maria, who expressed her love and admiration for her. Alexia was known for her strength and composure during her illness. Her family remembers her with love and respect for her courage. She had a positive impact on those around her, providing them with strength and encouragement.
The Chief of Police announced in Parliament that there will be new arrests in the case of the murder of Stavros Demosthenous. So far, eight arrests have been made, and more are expected. There are issues with technology, which is why help from specialists has been requested. The Minister of Finance has approved the hiring of consultants to assist the police's efforts. The Chief emphasized the importance of collaboration to also address the drug problem.
The 51-year-old suspect in the murder of Stavros Dimoshenos continues to deny any involvement. His claims are not convincing to the police, as investigations disprove his statements. In court, the 44-year-old former football player is kept in handcuffs due to escape concerns. Investigators, after 124 testimonies, are awaiting more to further their inquiry. Ongoing investigations aim to uncover critical evidence that will bolster the case.
A new Student Residence was recently inaugurated in Nicosia with 50 rooms and facilities for people with disabilities. The municipality transformed a historic building to meet the needs of students. Rent prices range from €243 to €478, including all fixed expenses. Admission is based on income criteria. This initiative is part of a broader recovery and development plan for the area.
A heated debate took place in the Parliament between Justice Minister Marios Harciotis and AKEL MPs Aristos Damianou and Andreas Pasiourtides. The MPs expressed concerns about prison conditions and rising crime rates. Harciotis countered that the accusations were exaggerated and provided updates on juvenile prisons. The confrontation focused on issues of accountability and public safety. In conclusion, the minister mentioned Cyprus's European obligations and the ongoing modernization of the Legal Service.
The government is securing around €55 million for the creation and upgrading of parks across Cyprus. The aim is to promote sustainable development and improve citizens' quality of life. The parks will provide safe public spaces for social interaction and connection with nature. Additionally, they will contribute to recreation and stress relief, especially in urban areas. Significant projects are being implemented in various regions, funded by the EU and local authorities.
The world's longest commercial flight is operated by Singapore Airlines, connecting America and Asia with a duration of nearly 19 hours. The flight goes from JFK Airport in New York to Changi Airport in Singapore. Only Business Class and Premium Economy seats are available, providing extra comfort and various amenities. The aircraft features modern characteristics such as Wi-Fi access and improved air quality. A ticket for this flight usually costs five figures.
A conflict has arisen between the General Auditor and the Independent Social Support Authority regarding the contributions from companies bidding for state projects. The General Auditor noted that these companies have funded the authority, raising concerns about potential conflicts of interest. Doubts have also been raised about the necessity of student grants, as there appears to be no urgent financial need. Additionally, further cases of legitimate transactions with the government were pointed out. This situation raises questions about transparency and the practices of the authority.
A mobile phone was found in the possession of a detainee at the Limassol Police Department, who is a suspect in the murder of Stavros Dimosthenous. The police are investigating how the phone came to be in the suspect's hands and have initiated an administrative inquiry regarding the actions of the officers involved. The suspect claims that another inmate, who was being transferred to another prison, gave him the phone. This incident has raised concerns about security in the correctional facilities. Authorities continue to investigate the matter.
A serious traffic accident occurred last night in Ayia Napa, involving a collision between two motorcycles. Four passengers were seriously injured and are currently hospitalized. The 33-year-old rider has severe injuries, while his 22-year-old passenger is in critical condition. Meanwhile, the 17-year-old driver and the 19-year-old passenger from the other motorcycle are also seriously injured. The police are investigating the circumstances of the accident.
The Trump administration is proposing the establishment of an international military force in Gaza aimed at disarming Hamas and rebuilding the region. The International Stabilization Force will take control of Gaza's borders and train new Palestinian police officers. Its objectives include demilitarizing the Gaza Strip and securing humanitarian zones. This proposal highlights the political challenges in the region, requiring cooperation between Israel and Egypt. The international community is watching how this proposal unfolds.
The Health Insurance Organization announced that long waits at public pharmacies for vitamins and over-the-counter medications will soon end. The transfer process of these medications to private pharmacies will begin within two weeks, starting with eight specific items. Delays in implementing this decision have raised concerns among patients. The transfer will occur gradually due to issues with suppliers. The announcement regarding how patients can obtain their medications from private pharmacies will be made later.
Decisions regarding the ATAs will be made tomorrow, provided there are no setbacks. Employers and unions plan to validate a new agreement set forth by the government. The President had earlier meetings with social partners to assert that no further negotiations will take place. Unions have called for a general meeting to inform their members. If the framework is accepted, positive developments regarding the payment of the Timarithmos to employees are expected.
A 30-year-old father was sentenced to 10 years in prison for possessing 19.7 kilograms of cannabis intended for distribution. The defendant stated that his psychological condition worsened due to legal issues regarding the recognition of his child. The court's decision considered his personal circumstances but emphasized the need for a deterrent sentence. The father had experienced five hospitalizations for psychiatric disorders and turned to illegal activities amid his psychological crisis. This case highlights the social and legal factors that influenced the court's decision.
AKEL is set to finalize its candidate list for the 2026 parliamentary elections by the end of the month. Regional conferences are taking place to determine candidates, with the party considering adding up to six new candidates. These conferences are scheduled to ensure representation from all regions. The Central Committee of AKEL will make decisions regarding candidates through secret voting. This process is crucial for the upcoming electoral battle.
The Gladstonos Square in Larnaca has been completed, marking the beginning of the transformation of the commercial center. The street connecting Ermou and Lordou Vyronos has been upgraded into a beautiful square. The positive response from the public indicates that the works are progressing smoothly, with plans to complete renovations around Ermou before Christmas. Store owners continue to face challenges due to decreased revenue, but the improvements have created hopes for the future. The renovation of the center seems to increase the demand for renting available shops.
The Attorney General left open the possibility of developments regarding the €67 million requested by the Commission from the Republic of Cyprus for the terminal in Vasilikos. He expressed readiness for the Legal Service to get involved if the offenses fall outside the jurisdiction of the European Prosecutor's Office. Mr. Savvidis mentioned that there might be an issue of proportionality in the requested repayment of the funds. He also highlighted the need to tackle corruption in Cyprus and the limitations of the Legal Service. He emphasized the importance of cooperation with the current General Auditor to resolve issues.
President Christodoulides addressed an extraordinary meeting regarding the ATA, denying any connection with a potential cabinet reshuffle. His focus is on resolving important pending issues, such as tax reform, as the Cypriot EU Presidency approaches. Despite the chatter, the President has been discreet about reshuffle discussions. Reports suggest that changes in the government may occur soon or be postponed until the new year. There is a common belief within the government that a reshuffle is unavoidable.