The award ceremony for the Golden Hats of Cyprus 2025 took place in Limassol, honoring 36 restaurants as the best in Cyprus. The nominations included new entries and significant changes in restaurant rankings. Amber Dragon and Helios were named the best with Golden Hats. The event highlighted the allure of classic cuisine in gastronomy. It was a memorable evening with guests from various sectors.
The Golden Hats of Cyprus 2025 were awarded at an event held at the Four Seasons hotel in Limassol. The category of Cypriot Cuisine recognized 11 restaurants and taverns as the best of the year. Among the winners are GEUSHIKLEOUS, DIONYSUS MANSION, and TAMERNA KAMASIAS. All awarded restaurants received a score of 14/20. The event highlighted the quality of Cypriot gastronomy.
A serious traffic accident occurred in Limassol when a vehicle collided with a farm tractor. The tractor driver was taken to Limassol General Hospital, but their health status is currently unknown. Both traffic lanes have been closed as a result of the collision. Drivers are advised to follow the police instructions. It is recommended to use the designated detour.
The award ceremony for the Golden Hats of Cyprus 2025 took place at the Four Seasons Hotel in Limassol. Dignitaries and professionals from the culinary field attended the event. The restaurant awards include distinctions for Cypriot Cuisine and the top honor, the Golden Hat. After the awards are presented, there will be a gala dinner prepared by chef Asterios Koustoudis. The event attracted many distinguished guests and sponsors.
From November 16 to 26, the multinational exercise 'MEDUSA-14/2025' took place in Alexandria, Egypt. The National Guard participated with various units, collaborating with troops from Cyprus, Greece, Egypt, France, and Saudi Arabia. The final phase of the exercise occurred on Distinguished Visitors Day, attended by the Chief of the National Guard. The exercise enhanced the interoperability and cooperation of the armed forces. A striking image showcased a Cypriot paratrooper holding the Cypriot flag over the Pyramid of Giza.
Athina Dimitriou's lawyer, Lito Kariolou, announced serious allegations regarding attempts to undermine her client's credibility with unfounded claims. The statement describes how Dimitriou previously had contacts with senior police officials, and that there are testimonies supporting her. Independent Criminal Investigator Mr. Aemilianidis previously found no evidence against her in 2022. Despite this, Kariolou claims there are ongoing efforts to discredit Dimitriou through selective leaks. Dimitriou's side is calling for the publication of Aemilianidis's findings to reveal the truth.
Donald Trump launched a personal attack on New York Times reporter Katie Rogers, calling her a 'third-rate reporter' and saying she is 'ugly, inside and out.' This attack came in response to an article that discussed his age and stamina. Trump often targets journalists who criticize him, and this incident follows that pattern. He also referenced the upcoming 2024 presidential election and his accomplishments. The New York Times noted that Trump spends less public time than before and attributed concerns to his age.
A new case is emerging in the Central Prisons, where an inmate has testified about special treatment she received. She claims that, contrary to regulations, she spent many hours in an office instead of staying in her cell. Her testimony follows another inmate's complaint and has been confirmed by prison records. Authorities are investigating the details and the possibility of serious offenses. The investigation is ongoing, and testimonies from prison staff will be collected.
Preparations for the Golden Hats Cyprus 2025 awards ceremony are in full swing. For the gala dinner, the acclaimed chef Asterios Koutsoudis is creating a menu that blends classic flavors with modern approaches. His goal is to honor the culinary heritage of the past 50 years with timeless dishes. The chef collaborates with Panagiotis Charalambous of Four Seasons to perfect the recipes. Additionally, tastings and wine pairings are taking place to enhance the dining experience.
The European Parliament proposes that minors under the age of 16 should not have access to social media unless parental consent is given. It also suggests a ban on harmful practices that could lead to addiction. These proposals are not mandatory but indicate a desire for stronger protection of youth online. This comes amidst growing concerns about the effects of children's online presence. Meanwhile, the European Commission is exploring ways to limit access for those under 16 to social media.
Bishop Tyhikos clarified that the views of lawyer Evangelia Poulla do not represent his own positions. He asked the public not to make statements or judgments about him and announced that he would be returning to Cyprus next week. In his letter, he emphasized the need for respect regarding his health and mentioned that he is represented by other lawyers. Ms. Poulla had previously stated that it is Archbishop Georgios who should testify a profession of faith. Bishop Tyhikos opposes these statements.
Savvas Angelidis, the Assistant Attorney General, clarifies that he has never submitted his resignation to the President. Despite considering resignation, he chose to remain in his position due to the support of his colleagues and a sense of responsibility to public interest. He also acknowledges past threats against him and his family but states that this has never been a reason for resignation. He emphasizes that he never claimed there is corruption in the Police, despite some reports. He calls for respect regarding sensitive matters related to his work.
A serious case in Athens is under investigation by the police, involving two minor children. The accused are their 20-year-old uncle and a 40-year-old man, who were arrested for offenses against the children. The case came to light when the children's mother noticed unusual behavior from her 4-year-old son. Videos and photos found on the suspects' mobile phones confirmed the allegations. The 20-year-old confessed and was imprisoned, while the 40-year-old denies the charges.
Hundreds of residents in Pervolia, Larnaca, received incorrect municipal tax bills ranging from €5,000 to €6,000. The citizens were alarmed and contacted the Municipality of Dromolaxia - Meneou. The Municipal Secretary clarified that it was a system error caused by accidentally pressing a button. Corrected bills will be sent to the residents soon. This mistake did not affect other areas of the municipality.
The recent agreements between Nikos Christodoulides and Joseph Aoun are significant for Cyprus and Lebanon, with broader implications for the Eastern Mediterranean. They include the delimitation of Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZ) and plans for electrical interconnections. Furthermore, military enhancements and European projects are being discussed. This cooperation undermines Turkish claims in the region. Finally, funding from the EU will be released to support Lebanon.
Russia and Ukraine are nearing an agreement based on an American peace plan. The plan includes the transfer of eastern Ukrainian territories to Russia, particularly from Donetsk and Luhansk. However, Ukraine retains an important defensive zone in western Donetsk, which it refuses to cede. The capture of Donetsk by Russia would solidify its claims in the area. Progress has been made in negotiations, but final decisions have yet to be made.
A 48-year-old Greek Cypriot has been arrested after hiding for four months, as he is suspected of attempting to murder a 61-year-old colleague. The suspect allegedly hit the 61-year-old with his car following an argument. The victim suffered severe injuries, including a skull fracture and brain hemorrhage, and is still hospitalized in serious condition. The suspect is also accused of illegal possession of explosives. The victim's condition has improved, but it remains serious.
A major fire has erupted in high-rise buildings in the Tai Po area of Hong Kong, producing dense black smoke. Reports indicate that several individuals are trapped inside the buildings, with at least one man suffering severe burns. The fire department received a call regarding the incident, which has been upgraded to a level 4 alarm. The Wang Fuk Court complex contains nearly 2,000 apartments. Firefighters are actively working to extinguish the flames.
Tonight, the 'Golden Hats of Cyprus' are celebrated in a grand ceremony in Limassol. The tasting committee evaluated the best restaurants in Cyprus for 2025. Surprises are expected in the awards, with new restaurants being recognized for their quality. The event also features a gourmet dinner by renowned chef Asterios Koustoudis. Personalities from various sectors are attending, highlighting the significance of gastronomy on the island.
A 22-year-old National Guard conscript has been referred to trial for attempted murder of a 47-year-old known individual. He faces serious charges, including illegal possession of firearms and explosives. His connection to the incident is confirmed through DNA evidence and videos found on his phone. The Police are also investigating if these videos were sent to someone else. The accused will remain in custody until his trial.
28-year-old Zarbab Ali killed his 25-year-old wife, Reistel Castillo, and subsequently violated her corpse. The murder occurred in November 2022 in California, just before their divorce was finalized. Ali admitted to his actions, claiming he is a 'monster.' After the murder, he attempted to bury the body and later returned to sexually assault it. His sentencing is expected to be announced on January 12.
Today, rain is expected mainly along the northern and eastern coasts of Cyprus, with possible thunderstorms. The weather will be partly cloudy, with temperatures around 23-24 degrees. Tonight, there will be locally increased clouds and possible fog. In the coming days, local rain and a gradual rise in temperature are anticipated. Winds will remain gentle to moderate.
78-year-old Aristotelis Konstantinou has been missing from Strovolos, Nicosia, since 1:45 a.m. on November 26, 2025. He is approximately 1.75m tall, has a normal build, and short white hair. The last time he was seen, he was wearing gray tracksuits and gray winter slippers. Authorities are asking anyone with information to come forward to assist in his search. This situation is serious and requires public assistance.
Police apprehended a 56-year-old burglar in a residence in Larnaca district. The suspect was found with a portable video camera belonging to the homeowner. A crowbar was also discovered, believed to have been used to break into the house. The burglar already faced charges in connection with two previous burglary attempts. The investigation is ongoing by the Oroklini Police Station.
Digital violence against women is a serious issue, with one in five women seeking counseling reporting experiences of online abuse. According to SPAO, frequent forms of such violence include control via social media and unauthorized monitoring of messages. The situation is exacerbated by the use of artificial intelligence for creating deepfakes. The European Union reveals that one in ten women has faced online harassment. To tackle this issue, comprehensive European research is planned to analyze online violence against girls.
The Tax Commissioner will halt property transfers if owners or buyers are not tax compliant. This provision is included in a tax bill being discussed in the Economic Committee. The Tax Commissioner promised to add safeguards to facilitate the implementation of this measure. The goal is to establish a tax culture, ensuring that everyone files their tax returns and pays their dues. However, there are exceptions for cases where debts are under legal review or for taxpayers in payment arrangements.
School violence and bullying are serious issues for secondary education students. Numbers confirm that many children are involved in violent incidents, with verbal abuse being the most frequent form. Data from the Ministry of Education shows that nearly 5,000 students were involved in violence incidents in 2023-2024. Support from guidance counselors is important for intervention and guidance for students. The statistics include a variety of incidents, such as physical, verbal, and relational violence, as well as property destruction.
Nurses are planning strike actions at public hospitals, demanding the hiring of additional staff. The Cyprus Nurses' Union has already mobilized for immediate measures and has given a deadline of December 9 to the Health Services Organization. They argue that at least 120 new nurses are needed to meet existing needs. Understaffing has reached a level where overtime has become a regular occurrence. If no responses are received by the set date, the unions will decide on their next steps.
Anna Aristotelous and Athena Dimitriou have been placed on leave due to criminal charges related to documents from the Central Prisons. Anna Aristotelous's leave has been extended until November 30, while Athena Dimitriou will remain out of service until her trial concludes. The Cabinet is expected to make decisions regarding Anna Aristotelous's status. The first court hearing for the case is scheduled for December 15. Anna Aristotelous has filed an appeal against the decision renewing her leave.
The case of an attempted kidnapping of a 51-year-old Ukrainian, who is reported to be a former minister, has complex dimensions. Media reports in Ukraine indicate that he has been wanted since 2022 due to a case involving illegal coal procurement from occupied territories. The Cypriot police do not confirm his identity, but information links Volodymyr Demchyshyn to the case. Additionally, there has been prior correspondence between Ukrainian authorities and Cyprus regarding his extradition. Notably, Demchyshyn is reportedly involved in business activities in Cyprus.
MP Irini Charalambidou expresses her concern over the lack of responses from the Cyprus Police concerning suspended or discontinued criminal prosecutions. Despite reassurances from senior police officials, her inquiries have gone unanswered for over four months. This issue was raised during a parliamentary committee session on Human Rights in light of a relevant case linked to a decision by the European Court of Human Rights. Charalambidou criticizes the police's indifference and calls for more transparency. She condemns the silence from the police despite previous commitments made.