A family tragedy occurred in Elefsina when a 44-year-old woman fatally injured her 71-year-old mother while trying to park her car. The incident happened as the mother was giving directions from outside the vehicle. During the process, the passenger door remained open, and the mother got trapped between the door and a tree. She was taken to the hospital where she was pronounced dead. The daughter has been arrested for involuntary manslaughter.
Eirini Charalambidou is likely to be removed from the parliamentary group of AKEL. During a phone call with the party's General Secretary, a lack of agreement was evident. She declined the offer to lead an Anti-Corruption Observatory proposed to her. The final decisions regarding her cooperation with AKEL are expected soon. She has stated that she will not make any comments at this stage.
Justice Minister Kostas Fitiris expressed the intention to investigate the allegations made by Annie Alexui against organized crime. He emphasized that testimonies and written statements are required for any action by the Police and the Prosecutor's Office. The Minister highlighted the need to respect the laws despite their possible flaws. He also stated that the process moves based on the existing evidence. Lastly, he mentioned that the political leadership cannot interfere with the authorities' investigations.
The case involving MP Nikos Sycas is advancing on both legal and political fronts. A complaint file regarding alleged violence against him has been submitted, while Sycas is preparing to take legal action against the Democratic Party for being excluded from the candidate list. Although his former partner withdrew her complaint, the police continue their investigation. The case includes testimonies, photographs, and medical reports. Sycas denies the allegations and plans to legally challenge the party's decision.
Irene Charalambidou is presenting two draft laws aimed at combating corruption. The first proposal involves cooperation between the Independent Anti-Corruption Authority and the Tax Commissioner for conducting tax audits in cases of officials' involvement in potential corruption offenses. The second proposal seeks to establish mechanisms for immediate tax assessments in response to findings related to possible corruption offenses. These proposals aim to enhance transparency and improve state effectiveness against corruption. Charalambidou emphasizes the need for prompt audit processes.
The water levels in Cyprus' reservoirs are extremely low, with only 13.7% of total capacity filled. The Kouris dam, the largest in the country, is at 12.2% capacity. Last year, levels were better at this time, and experts warn that spring is unlikely to bring improvement. Images from Kouris reveal the seriousness of the situation. This raises significant concern regarding the water supply in Cyprus.
The proceedings at the Paphos District Court continue for the detention of four suspects arrested at a restaurant. The police are requesting a four-day detention to complete investigations and gather testimonies. Three testimonies have been received so far, with 25 more still needed. Investigations will also be conducted with various services to verify the suspects' claims. The session has been temporarily paused and will resume shortly.
Prince William and Kate Middleton expressed concern about the Jeffrey Epstein scandal, stating their thoughts are with the victims. This intervention comes after recent revelations that have plunged both the government and the royal family into crisis. In contrast, Prince Andrew has not shown sympathy for the victims. The couple's statement reflects the support expressed by other royal family members. New information has revealed Andrew's double life and false statements regarding his friendship with Epstein.
The prosecution plans to hand over thousands of documents from the Central Prisons, excluding 2,500 classified documents that will undergo evaluation. Concerns about public safety have led to the intention to provide limited access to certain documents. The defense insists on receiving all the documents, arguing that their content is public and not confidential. This process raises issues of fair trial, with the defendants' lawyer requesting a suspension of proceedings. The examination of prison documents is essential for protecting the defendants' rights.
Justice Minister Kostas Fitiris announced a series of actions to combat organized crime in Cyprus. The proposals include confiscating criminal assets and creating new prisons outside urban areas. The aim is to enhance security and reduce the influence of organized crime in society. Additionally, an independent coast guard will be established to support security in maritime infrastructures. The minister emphasized the importance of evidence in advancing legal complaints.
New details have emerged regarding horrific torture cases in Larnaca, with four victims already identified. The 48-year-old suspect connected to the case has been detained along with a 27-year-old from Palestine. Police are continuing their investigation to locate weapons and other instruments used in the torture. They are examining 3,000 photos and videos from the suspect's phones for further evidence. The case is ongoing, with potential new arrests anticipated soon.
Government spokesperson Konstantinos Letymbiotis addressed the case of Annie Alexui, stating that the relevant authorities are handling the situation. There is no official information regarding whether Annie Alexui is in Russia under protection. International procedures and communications with other countries are underway for the investigation of her case. Letymbiotis did not provide further details. The situation is currently being monitored by the authorities.
The Cyprus Police Association expresses disgust over the incidents that occurred following the AEL vs. AEK match at GSP. They state that the violence surpassed all limits and became criminal actions, involving destruction of state property and assaults on police members. The association calls for the immediate use of all means to identify the perpetrators and protect their colleagues. There is an emphasis on the need to strengthen police forces and enforce the law in stadiums. Tolerance towards such violence has ended.
The police conducted a raid on a restaurant in Paphos, resulting in the arrest of four individuals. Authorities found large sums of money and brass knuckles in their possession. The operation was initiated based on information about a private gathering that concerned the police. The police spokesperson stated that their action aims to prevent criminal activities. This operation is part of a broader initiative against crime.
The area of the former Larnaca oil refineries is undergoing development, despite some delays. The Municipality of Larnaca is pushing for the acceleration of public works and the establishment of a €30 million Art Center. The goal is to complete the center by 2029, ahead of Larnaca being named the Cultural Capital of Europe. A study is being conducted for the coastal zone that will include public beaches and promenades. The aim of these initiatives is to enhance public access and the quality of public space.
In Cyprus, despite economic growth, there are still people facing serious housing issues. A significant number of the homeless include single individuals, psychiatric cases, and families with children. Social Welfare Services provide temporary housing and support. Each year, around 200 to 250 individuals seek housing assistance. The situation is particularly severe in larger cities like Limassol and Nicosia.
Donald Trump has invited President Christodoulides and Prime Minister Mitsotakis to participate in the 'Council of Peace' in Washington. The initial response from both sides seems positive, as the meeting focuses on the rebuilding of Gaza. The leaders have until Wednesday to respond whether they will attend on February 19. Despite previously declining to attend another of Trump's gatherings, this time the circumstances appear different. The goal is to raise funds for the reconstruction of Gaza.
Taxi drivers are calling for stricter legislation against piracy, as many pirates are also licensed drivers. In a recent meeting of the Parliamentary Transport Committee, data showed that violations by licensed drivers are high. The number of pirate drivers may be three times greater than that of licensed drivers. The new legislation aims to impose penalties on platforms promoting illegal taxi services. The president of the Cyprus Federation of Urban Taxis warns about issues during legal proceedings related to piracy.
The geological stability of the Dehesa Power Station raises concerns, as the area is classified in the highest seismic risk zone of Cyprus. The Geological Survey Department reports 281 earthquakes in the last seven years near the station, with 35 exceeding 3 on the Richter scale. Despite the seismic activity, authorities do not oppose the station's upgrade. The station is located near the coastline, posing a potential tsunami risk. The Electricity Authority of Cyprus plans a modernization with an investment of 180 million euros.
In 2025, 107 property foreclosures were canceled according to the Financial Commissioner's data. Of these, 103 involved primary residences and 4 involved non-primary ones. Most cancellations were related to credit acquisition companies. The statistics indicate a total of 437 requests were examined, with most decisions favoring consumers. However, 89 requests did not achieve successful suspension or cancellation of foreclosures.
The absence of the Paphos Municipal Secretary due to pre-retirement leave makes it necessary to urgently appoint a deputy. Today, the first plenary session will take place without Mayor Phaidonas Phaidonos. The main topic of the meeting will be the temporary appointment of the deputy. The Paphos Deputy Mayor mentioned that the Director of the Economic Department is the leading candidate for the position. A legal opinion will also be requested due to the uniqueness of the situation.