Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has held power in Turkey for over 20 years, and there are rumors that his son, Bilal Erdoğan, could be his successor. Bloomberg reports that Bilal's increasing public appearances and involvement in senior political processes fuel these speculations. Despite claiming he has no political ambitions, he seems to be preparing for a leadership role. A possible succession roadmap is being considered, with Erdoğan potentially able to extend his presidency until 2028. His political opponent, Ekrem İmamoğlu, is facing legal issues, which strengthens Erdoğan's position.
Following Jeffrey Epstein's death, prison guards allegedly used a decoy body to mislead journalists gathered outside the jail. This decoy was placed in a van marked by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. Meanwhile, Epstein's actual body was secretly removed in a different vehicle. While the documents detail the deception, they also reveal challenges Epstein faced during his detention. Investigators found a handwritten note in his cell with complaints about his living conditions.
In France, a 79-year-old former teacher is accused of the sexual assaults of 89 minors from 1967 to 2022. The attacks reportedly took place in various countries, including France. The man has been identified as a suspect and has been held since 2024. Additionally, he confessed to the murders of his mother and aunt, describing the events in detail. The case is still under investigation by the authorities.
Cyprus's participation in Eurovision 2026 has sparked reactions as a group of citizens requested the withdrawal of the song and video representing the country. The signatories of the letter believe that the content offends Cyprus's history and traditions. In response, the Director-General of RIK emphasized that the entry has received positive feedback online, highlighting the importance of music as a means of unity. This entry aims to showcase the contrast between traditional and modern Cyprus. This situation has initiated a dialogue about artistic responsibility and the public image of the country.
The 47-year-old, initially accused of complicity in the murder of Giannis Argirou, has now become a prosecution witness against her 52-year-old ex-partner. She claimed that the accused revealed to her that he killed the victim while he had previously admitted to drug-related charges. The charge of complicity has been suspended by the Attorney General based on the evidence. The 52-year-old is currently incarcerated and faces serious charges of premeditated murder. The 47-year-old remains free under restrictive conditions.
The family of little Konstantinos is making an urgent appeal for help as the 1.5-year-old was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia and urgently needs a compatible bone marrow donor. The child's condition worsened after several misdiagnoses, and now a transplant is required. His parents and grandmother are urging the public for assistance through social media, encouraging people to register as donors. The registration process is simple and painless, requiring only a saliva sample. Cooperation with a hospital in Berlin is crucial for the necessary transplant.
Eirini Charalambidou responded to references regarding her relationship with AKEL, emphasizing that the decision to be removed from the parliamentary group did not come from her. She clarified that she does not wish to become independent and finds the references targeting her personality disheartening and politically divisive. She rejected the idea of engaging in the generated disputes and expressed gratitude to the citizens who trusted her. Additionally, she highlighted that members of parliament are elected through preferential votes, and thus, she cannot relinquish her institutional role.
The Supreme Court issued a decision allowing the Police to inspect bank vaults linked to criminal activities. An Israeli couple under investigation for cryptocurrency fraud requested a suspension of the search warrant for their vaults. The ruling highlights the existence of a large criminal organization involved in scams through fake investment platforms. These scams have reportedly involved $700 million in cryptocurrencies. Those involved used electronic means to defraud victims.
Pavlos Pavlou, a special constable, was killed during the Turkish invasion in 1974, leaving behind a family with four young children. His wife worked to provide for them economically, while they never received the expected aid after Pavlou's death. A benefit check issued in 1975 was canceled without explanation. The state did not pay a salary for Pavlou nor social insurance. The family is persistently seeking justice, with an acknowledgment of the injustice from the authorities.
The AKEL announced the termination of its cooperation with Eirini Charalambidou, stating that her stance is unethical and insulting. It was pointed out that Charalambidou rejected the party's proposals for continued collaboration and is moving towards other political directions. The statement emphasizes the need to respect political rules and principles. Additionally, AKEL clarifies that seats belong to parties, not individual politicians. In this context, it asks Charalambidou to return her seat to the party.
On Tuesday morning, a traffic accident occurred in Limassol involving a woman riding an electric scooter. The collision happened at a traffic light intersection on Nikos Pattichis Street, as the rider attempted to turn right while the light was green. She was struck by a car coming from the north. The injured woman was taken to Limassol Hospital. Her current health status is still unknown.
The Audit Office investigated a complaint regarding the sale of a property by a well-known businessman, finding misleading representation of the sale price. The initial property price was undervalued by €8.5 million through revised agreements, resulting in a reported loss of €7.7 million. The report focuses on the deficiencies in the Tax Department's checks, which failed to identify the irregularities in time. Additionally, instances of inflated construction costs were presented. These practices raise concerns about the realism of the businessman’s accounting figures.
A tragic incident occurred at a gym in Paphos, where a 34-year-old Greek Cypriot collapsed and lost consciousness. Immediate first aid was provided, and he was transported to the hospital. Despite medical efforts, he passed away. The police have ruled out any criminal activity, and the cause of death will be determined after an autopsy.
The case of the death of 42-year-old Georgia is under investigation for possible disciplinary and criminal offenses related to her medical care. Her family has alleged a lack of response from the nursing staff during her hospitalization. Both the Police and the State Health Services Organization are examining the evidence and awaiting the results of the autopsy. The investigation is expected to be completed soon, with depositions from the hospital staff to follow. If disciplinary or criminal issues arise, necessary actions will be taken.
Justice Minister Kostas Fitiris announced a series of actions to combat organized crime and corruption. Plans include the establishment of a Cypriot FBI and the confiscation of assets linked to criminal activities. Fitiris emphasized the need for strict rules and evidence before police operations can take place. He pledged to eliminate crime rings while adhering to legal procedures. Authorities plan ongoing upgrades to their resources and infrastructure to enhance effectiveness.
Cyprus and Greece are coordinating ahead of Prime Minister Mitsotakis's visit to Ankara, although the Cyprus issue is not on the agenda for meetings with Erdogan. Leaders Christodoulides and Mitsotakis exchanged views on the latest developments regarding Cyprus and the possibility of resuming negotiations. The importance of maintaining regional stability and adhering to international law was discussed. Cyprus and Greece will continue their cooperation to promote their diplomatic goals. The Mitsotakis-Erdogan meeting is expected to address various bilateral and regional challenges.
The police continue their investigations into the allegations against Paphos mayor, Phaedon Phaedonos, regarding claims of rape and domestic violence. Investigators are taking statements from numerous witnesses to assess the situation and gather evidence. A key witness has provided information deemed crucial to the inquiry. Meanwhile, the investigation concerning the mayor's wife is nearing completion. The mayor has stated that he welcomes the investigations and is waiting for the truth to come to light.
The decision to suspend Paphos Mayor Phaidonas Phaidonos has led to an investigation into his activities and potential past criminal responsibilities. The Auditor General stated that the issues concerning Paphos Municipality are serious and will be thoroughly examined. The investigation will cover financial management, land use issues, and public works. Citizens have raised concerns regarding the mayor's actions, particularly related to illegal constructions. Currently, it is unclear when the audits will begin.
The flu and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) continue to affect mainly children under 14 and the elderly. The first death from RSV has been recorded this year, while flu-related deaths amount to 26. The flu activity appears to have peaked, while RSV is showing cases slightly later this year. COVID-19 remains at low levels, with potential increases in flu B expected in March. Epidemiological data is collected weekly from hospitals and general practitioners.