In Thessaloniki, two women were found dead in the basement of a 52-year-old man who confessed to having killed one of them. The 46-year-old had been reported missing since 2024, but it is now revealed that she was murdered. The perpetrator stated that when she started screaming, he and a friend suffocated her. The second woman died from drug use in 2025, and her body was found hidden. The police investigation is ongoing, and a process for the arrest of an accomplice is underway.
The owner of the Violanta factory and two other executives were arrested following a tragedy that resulted in the deaths of five women in Trikala. The owner is facing charges of negligent homicide and other related offenses concerning the explosion and fire. The tragedy appears to have been caused by a gas leak and a strong explosion in the factory area. Authorities are continuing their investigations to determine exactly what happened. Five families are left without their beloved women following this tragic event.
Former Paphos Metropolitan Tychicos has filed a new petition to the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, which his lawyers claim suspends his penalty of suspension until his case is reviewed. His lawyers contend that defamatory publications against him are unlawful. They also stress that the process leading to the Holy Synod's decision does not adhere to the Holy Canons and violates justice. Tychicos rejects allegations of external influence and emphasizes that there is no responsibility from the Holy Church of Greece. His response to prejudicial media claims undermines the principle of Conciliarity and affects the objective judgement of the Synod.
Private healthcare facilities are expressing concern over the shortage of nurses and the stagnation in finding solutions to the issue. The Ministry of Health has begun new discussions, but nurses disagree with the proposals. The rejection of certain legislative amendments has angered the Employers and Industrialists Federation. Representatives are calling for the abolition of the master's degree requirement for hiring nurses from third countries. They emphasize that if the situation continues, they will have to reduce the number of beds in healthcare facilities.
A tragic accident occurred in Romania involving a minivan carrying PAOK fans. The minivan collided with a tanker while en route to France for a match. Six people are reported dead and three injured, with one in serious condition. The accident took place on the DN6 – E70 highway. A total of four vehicles were involved in this tragic incident.
The Numbeo Cost of Living Index for 2026 revealed the world's most expensive cities, with Zurich at the top. In Cyprus, Limassol is the most expensive city, followed by Nicosia, Paphos, and Larnaca. Rankings are based on criteria such as rents, food, and local purchasing power. High costs for rents and food burden residents of busy cities. Switzerland appears to host many of the most expensive cities, with several ranking high on the list.
The General Accountant of the Republic will not disclose the names and amounts of donors to the Independent Fund for Social Support to the Parliamentary Committee on Institutions. This is stated in a letter to the Committee's president, indicating that there is no legal basis for disclosing this information. The General Accountant stresses that revealing it would violate personal data protection principles. He also suggests that any future requests should be well-justified and limited. Conditions under which data may be provided include ensuring donor anonymity.
European parliament member Fideas Panagiotou responds to the uproar caused by his reference to 'fools' regarding para-athletes. He admits his mistake but claims that the reactions have political motives connected to the current polling situation. He states that he deserves criticism for his comment, acknowledging it was unintentional. He believes that the backlash he is facing is justified this time. He shares the video of his statement before discussing the political implications of the controversy.
Ali Ansari, an Iranian businessman with a Cypriot passport, is sanctioned in the UK for allegedly financing the Iranian Revolutionary Guards. He has invested hundreds of millions of euros in real estate across Europe through a network of offshore companies. His family is also linked to the Iranian bank Ayandeh. Despite the sanctions, Ansari's case reveals how businessmen associated with the Iranian regime continue to acquire assets in Europe. He controls several hotels and shopping centers in various countries.
The Meteorological Department has issued a yellow warning for rain and thunderstorms, valid from this afternoon until tomorrow morning. Hail is expected during the storms, with rainfall ranging between 35-55 millimeters per hour. There will be a slight drop in temperature, but normal temperatures are expected in the coming days. Light rain and thunderstorms will continue until Saturday, with a change in weather anticipated from Sunday. Additionally, there is increased dust in the atmosphere today.
The Executive Secretariat of the Movement Alma-Citizens for Cyprus announced 10 new candidates for the 2026 parliamentary elections. The candidates come from the districts of Nicosia, Limassol, Larnaca, and Kyrenia. Michalis Paraskevas, initially a candidate for Nicosia, will now run for Limassol. The candidates include experienced representatives with proposals for Cyprus's development. These announcements reflect the Movement's strategy for the upcoming electoral process.
In Larnaca, two well-known businessmen are facing charges related to interference with judicial proceedings and illegal possession of property. The charges are linked to a shooting incident that occurred on January 17. The defendants claim they are not guilty and were released under conditions. The 47-year-old faces charges for suspicious possession of cash and checks. The case is set for trial in March 2026.
A three-month-old baby is hospitalized at Makarios Hospital with Shaken Baby Syndrome. The child was brought in serious condition and abuse has been confirmed. The police are investigating the case and collecting evidence. The baby's father, a 28-year-old foreign national, has been arrested. Ongoing investigations are examining the circumstances surrounding the injury.
Former Police Chief Kypros Mihailidis believes that the Police should contact Anna Fotiu regarding her claims in the case of Paphos Mayor Faydonas Feydonos. He emphasizes the importance of the presumption of innocence and the proper functioning of the Police. He points out that the investigation into domestic violence cases is crucial and requires caution. He highlights that such cases are sensitive, especially with children involved. The outcome will rely on the proof of claims and the credibility of testimonies.
The Audit Office presented the findings of a new Special Report on the management of forest land in Cyprus, covering the period from 2018 to 2024. The report highlights significant inconsistencies and delays in revenue collection, as well as inadequate protection procedures for environmentally sensitive areas. Violations were found in leasing cases, along with issues in environmental assessments within Natura 2000 areas. Delays in the revision of rents have resulted in substantial revenue losses for the state. The report emphasizes the need for improved processes and compliance with regulatory requirements.
Last night in Limassol, a serious altercation occurred between foreigners, resulting in three injuries that required hospitalization. The police quickly responded to the incident in the Agia Zoni area, finding traces of blood and items useful for the investigation. Subsequently, 12 foreigners were arrested in an apartment, where one reported being abducted. Authorities are continuing their investigations to identify other participants in the altercation. The situation is serious, and police inquiries are ongoing.
Metropolitan Tyhikos still has the keys to the Paphos Metropolitan Church and has not returned them to the caretaker of the Holy Synod. His actions suggest he is attempting to challenge the decision that suspended him. Despite his legal efforts, the chances of obtaining another decision from the Ecumenical Patriarchate appear limited. Additionally, questions arise about his relationships with other Metropolitans. Tyhikos is seeking possible legal avenues to contest the Synod's decision again.
Member of the European Parliament, Faidias Panagiotou, caused a storm of reactions after referring to people with intellectual disabilities as 'fools'. The outcry even led to a complaint from the Cyprus Paralympic Committee. His attitude has raised concerns about his influence on society, especially on the youth. Despite his previous controversial statements, he has not apologized for his remark this time. His behavior highlights ongoing issues in society regarding the acceptance of people with disabilities.
The Supreme Court has clarified the conditions under which DNA can be required from suspects in drug-related cases. The judge emphasized that extensive analysis is not necessary for approving such orders, as long as decisions are based on established evidence. The court confirmed the constitutionality of Article 25 of the Police Law regarding procedural necessity. The petitioner, who is accused of hiding drugs, was under police surveillance. The court's decisions are influenced by various factors, including the seriousness of the charges and the evidence presented.
The Federation of Patient Associations in Cyprus reports that personal and medical data of patients at the General Hospital of Nicosia is in the hands of an unauthorized individual. Despite the passing of a law for the Patient Advocate, the former employee remains in their position and continues to handle sensitive data. This raises serious concerns about the safety of personal information. The new officer appointed by OKYPY is already in place, but the former one has not yet been removed. This situation has led to significant reactions from the Federation.
A serious issue has arisen regarding logging in a protected area in Troodos. There are suspicions of abuse of power by the former director of the Forestry Department, Charalambos Alexandrou. The number of trees cut down exceeds what was stated in the permit. The case is under investigation by the relevant authorities, with the current director promising that if any illegalities are found, responsibilities will be assigned. The plot is part of the Natura 2000 network, which requires strict procedures for any activities there.
The Larnaca police are investigating two rival criminal groups vying for control over the 'protection' of businesses. Two investigative teams are examining financial statements and seeking testimonies from entertainment venue owners. Five Greek Cypriots have been detained on suspicion of participating in a criminal organization and other serious charges. A notebook containing names and amounts, allegedly belonging to the head of the group, has been found. The investigation also includes videos confiscated from mobile phones linking individuals to criminal activities.
The Cyprus Police are investigating allegations of domestic violence related to the Mayor of Paphos, Phaedon Phaedonos. Documents that have been published show that his wife suffered injuries and visited the hospital. Some documents indicate that the wife was a victim of physical abuse. The investigation is being carried out ex officio and includes issues concerning personal data. The case has garnered wide publicity, and authorities expect to clarify the situation.