A traffic accident occurred on the Limassol-Nicosia highway. Two cars were involved in a collision near the Alambra exit. One person was taken to Nicosia General Hospital, but their condition is not serious. Authorities are investigating the causes of the accident. No other injuries have been reported.
Kim Jong Un spent five years of his teenage life in Switzerland under a false identity. He attended a public school and lived a 'normal' life, far removed from his closed dynasty. He had access to everything he desired, such as PlayStation and movies, but his education was always under the watchful eye of Swiss authorities. This phase of his life ended when he needed to return to North Korea due to his mother’s health issues. The contrast between this phase of his life and his later leadership creates an intriguing story.
The Ministry of Health is discussing the creation of an SOS button for people with dementia, which will include tracking devices like bracelets or watches. These devices will notify relatives and authorities in cases of emergencies or wandering. The initiative is a key topic in discussions of the Multidisciplinary Committee on Dementia and will be further examined. The Health Minister notes that similar practices have been adopted in other member states. The program is expected to positively impact the safety of individuals with dementia and their families.
A tragic accident occurred in Paphos, resulting in the death of a pedestrian who was struck by a car. The incident took place in the Tombs of the Kings area. Police arrived on the scene to provide assistance and are conducting investigations into the cause of the accident. The victim was transported to the hospital for medical attention but did not survive. Paphos Traffic Police continue their inquiries.
MP Christos Christofides has proposed a new law to combat content manipulation through artificial intelligence, such as deepfakes. The proposal arises from concerns over malicious use of images and videos of individuals without their consent. The law aims to protect artists and citizens from false representations. Imitations for satire or parody are excluded, unless they pose a risk of misinformation. The rise of deepfakes necessitates immediate regulations for individual safety and protection.
Around 5:00 PM in the Tombs of the Kings area in Paphos, a passing vehicle hit a pedestrian. Police arrived at the scene to provide assistance and conduct investigations. The injured individual was transported to the hospital by ambulance for medical examinations. Paphos Traffic is continuing investigations into the cause of the accident. The condition of the injured person is not reported.
Trade unions and political parties are calling for an increase in the tax-free income and changes to tax brackets. The proposed tax reform is seen as unfair to workers with a family income of €80,000 and does not benefit certain public servants. MPs are opposed to the government's proposals, requesting a review and correction of distortions. There are also concerns about the increase in corporate tax rates. The Tax Commissioner warns about the impact on state revenues if the tax-free threshold is raised.
In Rhodes, a 55-year-old father is accused of sexually abusing his 31-year-old daughter, who is now the mother of his child. According to authorities, the daughter was a victim of abuse starting at the age of 16. DNA evidence confirmed the biological relationship between the father and the child. The father was arrested and remanded in custody following his daughter's testimony. This case has shocked the local community due to the severity of the allegations.
A 36-year-old man and his 34-year-old partner were found guilty of serious sexual abuse offenses against the woman’s underage daughter. The abuse lasted about four years and remained hidden due to the mother's silence. The accused was found guilty of 16 charges of sexual exploitation, while the mother faced two charges related to obstruction of justice. The court has scheduled a new hearing for sentencing. These cases highlight the gravity of the issue of sexual abuse of minors.
Influencer Stephanie Piper was found dead in a suitcase in a forest in Slovenia following a period of disappearance. Her ex-boyfriend was arrested and allegedly confessed to strangling her before placing her in the suitcase. Stephanie had sent messages to a friend before her disappearance, mentioning strange occurrences. Neighbors reported hearing voices and seeing her ex in the building on the night she went missing. Her family is in shock and has reached out to the authorities for assistance.
Changes to the bill regarding public gatherings are advancing in Parliament, involving the Ministry of Justice and MP Irini Charalambidou. The proposed law aims to align legislation with international human rights treaties. A significant portion of Charalambidou's proposals has been accepted by the Ministry. Discussion of the bill will begin in early January, while some differences are still being reviewed. One proposed change pertains to the use of hoods during protests.
The General Accounting Office of the Republic announced the payment dates for salaries and pensions for December 2025. Salaries for government officials and civil servants will be paid on December 19, 2025. The 13th salary and 13th pensions will be paid on December 29, 2025. Funds will be transferred to the bank accounts within 24 hours of these dates. The announcement was made upon the approval of the Minister of Finance.
There is rising protest against the proposed legislation regarding naturopathy and acupuncture. Patients and acupuncture professionals warn about the quality and safety of these practices. They argue that the legislation opens the door to questionable theories in health policy. Many organizations urge the Parliament to withdraw the proposal, which is considered dangerous for public health. Lastly, it is highlighted that the proposal lacks support from the scientific community.
A 73-year-old British woman claims that her husband's heart went missing during a second autopsy conducted after his sudden death in Cyprus. Michael Greeley, 76, died after experiencing severe cramps, and the family noted that no cause of death was listed on the death certificate. Upon the body's transfer to Britain, it was found that his heart was missing, complicating the determination of the cause of death. The family is angry and seeking explanations, as the Cypriot police reported that the heart had been sent to a research center. An investigation into the case is ongoing.
Various areas in Nicosia lost power this morning. The outage is due to a fault in the medium voltage network, according to the spokesperson of the Electricity Authority of Cyprus, Christina Papadopoulou. The affected areas include Strovolos, Latsia, and Lakatamia. The crews of the Electricity Authority are working to restore power. The situation is under control, and updates are expected.
A national guardsman who was attacked by a lieutenant received compensation for bodily and psychological harm. Despite the assault, the lieutenant was not prosecuted and is now a captain. In contrast, the guardsman was punished with ten days of confinement for insulting the officer. The incident took place in 2009 and the case was referred to the military prosecutor but was ultimately archived. This case raises concerns about discipline and justice within the armed forces.
A middle-aged woman was found dead early in the morning in Kato Paphos. She was discovered outside an abandoned building near hotels in the area by a woman heading to work. The police are conducting investigations into the circumstances of her death. An ambulance is also present at the scene. Details about the woman's identity are still unknown.
A 37-year-old high school teacher in Australia admitted to having sexual relations with a 15-year-old student. The teacher attempted to convince the victim to lie to the police and was arrested. Their relationship was revealed when the student spoke to his mother. Despite the allegations, she claimed she did not know the boy's age. Ultimately, she pleaded guilty to multiple sex offenses against minors.
At the start of the football match between AEL and APOEL, four individuals were arrested due to disturbances. A 34-year-old threw a naval flare towards the police and was arrested with various explosives. Additionally, a 26-year-old was found with cannabis and resisted arrest. One police officer was injured and received medical attention. Finally, about 50 people were blocked from entering the stadium due to lack of tickets, and two of them caused disturbances.
Stefanos Stefanou and Annita Dimitriou criticized the Christodoulides government during different events. The Secretary General of AKEL spoke about the party's goals for the 2026 elections, emphasizing the need for strengthening their presence. He expressed confidence that the public appreciates the efforts of AKEL and sees it as a party that supports ordinary people. He stated that AKEL is the responsible opposition in contrast to DISY, which has supported the government. He accused the government of failing to meet citizens' expectations.
Nikolai Zumakanov, the ambassador of Kazakhstan to Cyprus, discusses the strategic importance of the new embassy in Nicosia for strengthening ties between the two countries. He highlights tourism opportunities, pointing out Kazakhstan's natural beauty and historical sites. The ambassador plans to promote these destinations through partnerships with travel agents. Notable attractions include the Tian Shan and Altai mountains, as well as historical monuments from the Silk Road. He believes that Cypriots will appreciate the hospitality and diversity of the country's tourism offerings.
The EU has agreed on new regulations to better protect customers from fraud and hidden charges. Banks and payment service providers will be required to inform customers of all fees before a payment is initiated. Customers will also be able to withdraw cash from retail outlets without needing to make a purchase. The regulations aim to improve cash access and increase transparency in open banking services. Additionally, payment service providers must adhere to strict security protocols.
A law proposal by AKEL for an extraordinary solidarity tax on banks will be discussed in Parliament. This proposal aims to distribute the burdens arising from the increase in inflation and interest rates. The Banks Association expresses its disagreement, arguing that the proposal targets only the banking sector, while other sectors also saw profits. Additionally, they point out that the special tax imposed on Cypriot banks is not implemented elsewhere. The topic gains particular significance in the lead-up to the upcoming elections.
Cyprus has submitted a list of needs for the National Guard to strengthen its defense and security under the SAFE regulation. The list includes ammunition, drones, and armored personnel carriers, as well as the upgrade of two military bases. Despite the approval of 1.2 billion euros from the EU, expenditures must be balanced with public finances. The government emphasizes that the National Guard operates as a deterrent and protection force. Funding is expected to be available for disbursement in the second half of 2026.
Canadian students are learning Ancient Greek and visited old Nicosia, connecting with the Greek language and culture. They read famous ancient works and chose second names from ancient Greeks. The students expressed their wish to see churches and historic buildings, avoiding visits to the occupied areas. The tours were organized by Ms. Theocharidi and Mr. Pagkalos, who has personal experience of the occupation. This experience combines language learning with the promotion of Greek heritage.
A new action plan for the reform of the water sector has been developed by the Water Development Department. Its purpose is to improve governance and address critical challenges in water resource management, such as climate change and outdated infrastructure. The Directive 2020/2184 on the quality of drinking water is in effect and is expected to provide more protection and resilience. The Water Safety Council is also being established to enhance coordination among relevant services. The success of the plan relies on the collaboration and active participation of involved stakeholders.
Organized crime in Cyprus is raising concerns following a recent shooting incident in central Nicosia. The gunfire occurred in a residential area where children were present, putting lives at risk. Parents expressed fear as their teenage sons were near the site just before the shooting. The police reported collecting several shell casings from the scene. The situation appears to be worsening with the emboldening of criminal elements.