5 Minute News

On November 6, 2025, authorities in the Pyla area arrested a 26-year-old Israeli man with 3,950 boxes of cigarettes that lacked the required labeling. The cigarettes were likely tax evaded, as they did not have the safety mark. The accompanying vehicle was seized, and the driver was arrested. The customs duties for the cigarettes are estimated to exceed €240,000. The case will continue to be investigated by the Larnaca Customs.

A dead man was found in a house in Engomi on November 6th. The body was in advanced decomposition, and it appears to be a sudden death. Authorities are conducting investigations and taking statements to determine the cause of death. This situation raises concerns in the community. Police investigations are ongoing.

The legislative proposals from AKEL and other parties introduce restrictions on property acquisition by third-country nationals. Foreigners will be limited to owning specific properties, such as one apartment or house. Companies controlled by foreigners will also face limitations on property ownership. The aim is to enhance control and transparency regarding property purchases by foreigners. The proposals include conditions and criteria for obtaining properties.

The police are investigating a serious traffic accident that occurred on October 20, 2025, resulting in the death of a 71-year-old woman. She passed away from her injuries on November 4, 2025, while hospitalized at the General Hospital of Nicosia. She was a passenger in a vehicle that was involved in a collision with two other cars. The autopsy revealed that her death was caused by severe cranio-cerebral trauma. Authorities continue to examine the circumstances of the accident.

Forensic expert Marios Machakis confirmed the presence of two head injuries in the elderly woman who allegedly died during her transfer to an ambulance. There is currently no final report, and they are awaiting histopathological results. The woman's son claims that his mother suffered falls during her transfer attempt. The family had warned the nurses to be cautious due to her weight. According to the son, his mother fell twice and was later pronounced dead at the hospital.

The Ministry of Interior presented a bill to the Parliament aimed at increasing the number of parliamentary seats in Paphos while decreasing them in Nicosia. This adjustment is based on recent changes in the electoral register. Specifically, the seats in Nicosia will decrease from 20 to 19, while those in Paphos will increase from 4 to 5. Additionally, a new proposal addresses the issue of name similarities among candidates on ballots, allowing candidates to use nicknames or their spouse's surname. The bills have been referred for discussion in the relevant Committee.

The Parliament approved changes to the process of issuing licenses for firearms. Now, the Chief of Police will be responsible for deciding on the granting or revocation of licenses, instead of the Cabinet. The applicant must justify their request, and the Chief of Police can seek opinions from relevant experts. Depending on circumstances, the Chief can suspend or revoke licenses without further procedures. These changes are expected to enhance public order and safety.

In Austin, Texas, a woman was found bound and abused in a backyard, held captive for months by five of her friends. Police intervened after neighbors called for help, discovering the woman with severe injuries and exhaustion. The accused are facing serious charges, and two young children in the household are now under social services protection. The case has shocked Texas, with authorities labeling it horrific. Trials for the accused are scheduled for the upcoming weeks.

The Ministry of Transport decided to immobilize 11 buses in Paphos after a new fire incident. These buses serve approximately 1,000 passengers daily and the decision was deemed necessary for safety reasons. The fire was caused by an electrical fault and is the sixth such incident in the past three years. An external expert will assess the buses to evaluate their condition. The minister emphasizes the importance of passenger safety above all.

Members of the Audit Committee have requested an investigation into construction companies that may be colluding to inflate public tenders and pricing. There has been strong criticism regarding delays and the quality of public works from certain companies, which continue to participate in bids. The General Accountant announced the establishment of a blacklist starting in 2024 to evaluate contractors. A significant mention was made of 'Lois Builders Ltd', which faced delays yet re-entered the bidding process. According to the Audit Office's report, three major contracting companies hold 40.8% of public works contracts between 2015 and 2024.

Christopher Soltes was found dead in Arizona after leaving his 2-year-old daughter locked in a car for hours and was subsequently accused of sexually abusing his other daughter. Now 17, she filed a lawsuit against him, claiming repeated abuse over the past 10 years. Soltes faced imprisonment and reportedly committed suicide hours before surrendering. His history of locking his children in cars was known and documented. The case has sparked shock and sadness.

The Supreme Court reviewed the appeal of an employee who was dismissed from SEPAHK and ruled that her dismissal was illegal. The employee had reported sexual harassment by her supervisor before her dismissal. The court found that the process followed was not fair and impartial. As a result, she was awarded €37,700 in compensation. This decision underscores the necessity of protecting employees from unlawful dismissals due to harassment complaints.

The Ministry of Transport is implementing support measures for citizens whose vehicle fitness certificates have been canceled due to the failure to replace airbags. Vehicle owners who have scheduled appointments will receive €100 weekly, provided they belong to vulnerable groups. Additionally, free public transport tickets will be provided to citizens with immobilized vehicles. This decision aims to support those who have shown compliance and are affected by delays in spare part deliveries. The government emphasizes the importance of road safety and protecting human life.

Authorities at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki are considering the establishment of a branch in Paphos. A special committee is studying the necessary data and has made significant progress. Local stakeholders are optimistic, especially after the recent establishment of a branch of the Kapodistrian University in Nicosia. The decision is expected to be finalized by 2025, given the suitable infrastructure available in the city. Cypriot legislation requires at least three faculties for a branch to operate.

Nikolas Papadopoulos inaugurated the new offices of the Democratic Party in Limassol and commenced the announcement of candidates. Among the candidates are theologian Areti Dimosthenous and Christos Vakkanas. The goal of the Democratic Party is to strengthen its presence in the new Parliament with strong candidates. Despite the challenges, Papadopoulos believes that hard work will yield positive results. He invites citizens to visit the new offices and engage in discussions and proposals.

Some public doctors may find themselves excluded from the General Health System due to not submitting their professional licenses. This situation arises as a form of protest since the doctors believe they are not obligated to submit these licenses. Additionally, there is concern about education and acquiring the required educational units as available training resources are being reduced. The doctors are also facing issues with their professional insurance, creating further uncertainty about their professional future. This situation requires attention and action from the government and relevant authorities.

The case of the death of Thanasis Nikolaou is awaiting decisions from the Limassol District Court. Five individuals are facing charges, and their legal strategies are prepared. If the court accepts the indictment, reactions from the accused are expected. Notably, the forensic expert's assessment has led to serious disputes and allegations of evidence destruction. The family's lawyer states that the group of defendants includes state officials.

The Bishop of Paphos, Tychikos, is asked to sign a statement of faith provided by the Holy Synod. This statement includes the recognition of all Ecumenical Councils, including the 2016 Council in Crete. He faces difficulties in signing it, mainly due to his connections with those who have separated from the Church. He will also declare obedience to the decisions of the Holy Synod and accept the sacred tradition of the Orthodox Church. This situation has sparked various discussions and reactions.

British authorities have requested cooperation from Cyprus regarding a spy case. A 44-year-old Azerbaijani holding a British passport was arrested in Cyprus and is alleged to have taken photographs of British military bases. The case has raised concerns due to potential national security issues. The accused faces serious charges, including espionage. The British request has been sent to the Attorney General's office for review.

Decisions are expected from the Legal Service within November regarding serious cases involving well-known individuals, including politicians. The cases involve Marinos Sizopoulos, who is under investigation for serious criminal offenses, and George Koumas, who faces issues of incompatibility. There are also questions concerning documents found at the residence of a chief prison guard. The Attorney General has requested immediate recommendations for each case in order to make final decisions. Sizopoulos's case has indications of criminal offenses such as fraud and forgery.

The government received contradictory responses regarding the permanent arrangement proposal for ATAs: the unions accepted the proposal without changes, while employers rejected it. The unions expressed hope for cooperation from the employers. Employers stated they could not accept certain provisions of the draft related to the National Minimum Wage. In this context, the government is called to consider its next options. The situation suggests ongoing negotiations or potential legislative regulations.