A 63-year-old Cypriot life-sentenced inmate was found dead in his cell at the Central Prisons this afternoon. Initial indications suggest that his death may have been due to a heart failure. Medical services provided assistance, but it was not enough to save him. His family has been notified, and an autopsy is scheduled to determine the exact cause of death. The Prisons Department is cooperating fully with the authorities in the investigation.
In Larnaca, the police have re-arrested a 48-year-old man alleged to be the head of a criminal organization. The suspect faces serious charges, including kidnapping and violence. Another 27-year-old has been arrested alongside him, while a third individual connected to the case is still being sought. Police investigations are ongoing, including checks on locations linked to the suspects. The two arrested individuals are expected to be presented in court for a detention request.
A 54-year-old Greek wing commander is reported to have established communication with China for at least 18 months, passing vital information. The Greek intelligence agency and foreign counterparts tracked him down and confirmed he was a spy. During his arrest operation, electronic devices and documents were seized for analysis. The commander eventually disclosed details about his contact in China. It appears that he was initially approached by the Chinese through a message on an internet application.
An elderly couple of Cypriot descent in London tragically died in a fire caused by lit candles. Firefighters rescued Andreas and Sophia Leskou from their home, but both were found to have died from smoke inhalation. The fire broke out at 1:44 a.m. and was brought under control about two hours later. The family is requesting donations in their memory for the organization AgeUK. Their funeral will take place on February 12, 2026.
A car accident occurred in Paphos on Friday morning, involving a 63-year-old driver and a family in another vehicle. Everyone involved in the crash was injured and transported to the hospital. The five-month-old baby is in serious condition and was taken to Makarios Hospital. The Paphos Traffic Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the accident. Fortunately, the rest of the family are receiving medical care.
The Legal Service has filed a criminal case against George Koumas, the former President of the Cypriot Football Association, for incompatibility. This case involves one individual and two legal entities. The Legal Service confirmed the existence of the case without providing further details. The Attorney General had requested a criminal investigation, appointing an independent criminal investigator to oversee it. The findings of the investigation were submitted to the Legal Service in early September.
The Supreme Constitutional Court rejected the application of Judge Doria Varosiotou to annul her dismissal. The decision was not unanimous, with five judges supporting the dismissal, while three disagreed. Having completed two years in her position, Varosiotou is now considering her next steps. There is a strong possibility that she may appeal to the European Court of Human Rights. This situation brings attention to the legal issues surrounding her position in the judiciary.
The Constitutional Supreme Court is set to decide whether Judge Doria Varosiotou will return to her duties. Her application seeks to overturn her suspension, which is related to her report on the circumstances of Thanasis Nikolaou's death. The judge had determined that the death was due to criminal activity, but the Supreme Court deemed this legally flawed. There is legal uncertainty surrounding the suspension of judges and the application of European regulations. The decision will be made by eight judges of the Constitutional Council.
On the Nicosia-Larnaca highway, a 44-year-old motorcyclist, Igor Tkachev, lost his life in a fatal accident. The incident occurred in the early hours of February 3rd when his motorcycle overturned and crashed into a guardrail. Subsequently, a car driven by a 26-year-old collided with the motorcycle. The police are investigating the exact circumstances of the accident. The 44-year-old was taken to the hospital where his death was confirmed.
Anita Dimitriou called for the restructuring of the Democratic Rally in light of the upcoming elections. The cases involving two mayors from the party have raised concerns and tensions. It was decided to suspend the mayors' participation in the party's collective bodies until their cases are resolved. The party emphasizes the need for transparency and zero tolerance for any allegations. The meeting also discussed pre-election strategies and mobilizing inactive party members.
KEDIPES reported that many parents with old loans are unable to pay, and their children are stepping in to take on this burden. The average age of borrowers is 60 years, making it difficult to secure new financing. Economically active children pay off loans to protect family property. KEDIPES acknowledges the situation and offers discounts for immediate payments. Parents who need support experience stress, yet often their children are able to help.
Banks are increasing liquidity in the market, encouraging households and businesses to borrow again. Low interest rates have led to a rise in demand for loans, particularly in the housing sector. In 2025, new loan disbursements have significantly increased, making the real estate market more attractive. Banks expect this trend to continue in the coming years. Meanwhile, the European Central Bank is keeping interest rates stable, which supports this positive trend.
President Christodoulides presented the roadmap for the third year of his administration during the 'State of the Union' address. Foreign policy and the economy are highlighted as the two main priorities, with a focus on measurable results. Over 55 government actions for 2026 were announced, emphasizing tax and pension reforms. The President stressed that achievable goals will yield immediate benefits for citizens' daily lives. The presentation reflects the government's commitment to improving living conditions for the public.
Three women from India have been arrested in Cyprus for illegal residency with forged documents. They claimed to have paid large sums to secure jobs as domestic workers but never met their employers. Their arrangements were made by individuals acting as agents. The authorities are investigating the situation to determine if there are others involved. Further inquiries are ongoing to understand the case.
At RIK, the cost of two disciplinary investigations has burdened taxpayers with hundreds of thousands of euros. Members of the board and union representatives claim that the investigations may be related to personal disputes rather than the best interests of the Foundation. There are suspicions of attempts to influence decisions by certain officials. These disciplinary investigations have caused internal conflicts and disarray among the staff. Unions express a loss of trust in the Foundation's management.
The case of Paphos mayor, Phaedon Phaedonos, involving allegations of rape and assault is developing as the police seek supporting testimonies. The complaint relates to events that allegedly occurred around 10 years ago. So far, no evidence has emerged to support the investigation into the alleged assault. The situation is sensitive, as the presumption of innocence for Phaedon is at stake. The mayor has already been suspended by the decision of the Minister of Interior.
The Chief of Police in Cyprus decided to change the working hours for police officers, which sparked reactions from labor unions. Nigel Dennis, the secretary of the European Police Confederation, expressed concerns over this decision and called for intervention from the European Union. His letter describes a lack of social dialogue and the need to adhere to EU rules. The issue has gained international attention, as it is linked to Cyprus's presidency of the Council of the EU. Dennis is urging for dialogue and resolution of the situation.