A 25-year-old employee from a car rental company is accused of fraud by using the company card to buy fuel. He filled the vehicles of unknown citizens and collected cash while pretending to be an employee of the gas station. The charges were made during hours when the company was closed. The suspect is currently wanted by the authorities. The case is being investigated by the Limassol police.
A 58-year-old father was sentenced to five years in prison for the sexual abuse of his 6-year-old daughter. The case emerged when the girl disclosed two serious incidents of abuse to her mother. The court emphasized the need for strict protection of children from such acts. The father admitted the charges, highlighting community support against child sexual exploitation. The court's decision demonstrates society's commitment to protecting minors.
A woman suffered a heart attack in the morning, but it was only diagnosed at night after she collapsed. Doctors failed to properly evaluate an ECG that showed signs of a heart attack. The Supreme Court ruled that medical negligence occurred and awarded €468,000 in damages. The patient experienced permanent heart damage of 30%-40% due to the delay in treatment. The clinic was required to pay for the damages, while the gastroenterologist was also found partially responsible.
The culling of 13,000 animals due to foot-and-mouth disease has raised concerns about potential meat price increases ahead of Easter. Authorities believe the market is currently functioning normally, but they express worries about possible supply pressures. The President of the Consumers' Association notes that prices are not expected to change significantly, although there will be a shortage of lambs. Consumers should be cautious in their purchasing if prices do rise. The complete picture will depend on developments in the coming weeks.
Purchases of properties by Russians near British bases in Cyprus and other European countries are being investigated as potential espionage efforts. Western intelligence agencies are concerned that these properties may be used to support covert operations or gather intelligence. Russia is believed to be exploiting legal loopholes to acquire properties in strategic locations across multiple European countries. Analysts warn that such purchases could facilitate Russia's destabilization strategies. Recent reports highlight the role of British bases in the region and the potential implications of these activities.
The trial regarding the suicide of 15-year-old Stylianos has begun, highlighting the moral responsibilities of Cypriot society. There are 11 defendants, with two admitting to certain charges. Two police officers testified that Stylianos' mother reported poor living conditions and expressed a desire to divorce her husband. She sought support from Social Welfare Services without making an official complaint. It was noted that there were no signs of abuse on the mother.
The Legal Service has requested the lifting of the immunity of MP Marinos Sizopoulos from the Supreme Court. The case is set for a hearing on March 3, 2026. This request is connected to a criminal investigation suggested by the Anti-Corruption Authority. Sizopoulos is accused of various criminal offenses, including fraud and forgery. This development indicates the Legal Service's intention to proceed with the necessary procedures.
Andreas Themistocleous, president of the Democratic National Movement (DEK), presented the political direction and first group of candidates for the party. He explained the political differences between DEK and ELAM, emphasizing the importance of people and values. He stated that DEK embodies Democracy and stands by its ideas without invoking historical figures. DEK aims to remain open to society and serve democratic principles. The party's philosophy includes adherence to Cyprus's Greek identity.
The Permanent Criminal Court of Larnaca sentenced a 31-year-old Moldovan to 20 years in prison for possession of 110 kilograms of drugs, including 15 kilograms of cocaine and 95 kilograms of cannabis. The Court highlighted the increasing drug trafficking in the country and its impact on society. The decision emphasizes the need for strict penalties as a deterrent. Despite mitigating factors such as the defendant's age and financial situation, the severity of the offenses led to the harsh sentence. The Court stressed the importance of combating the drug crisis for social well-being.
Irini Charalambidou and the Alma movement are getting closer to a collaboration. Last night, they met to discuss combating corruption. Both sides expressed a willingness to work together and plan to meet again on Monday for an official announcement. Positive expectations surround their collaboration, although Charalambidou's integration into Alma is not planned. She wishes to maintain her political path and freedom of expression.
Agriculture Minister Maria Panagiotou emphasized the importance of strictly adhering to biosecurity measures to combat the spread of foot-and-mouth disease in Cyprus. The government supports farmers and ensures the sustainability of exports, particularly for halloumi. Collaborations with relevant bodies are critical for protecting production. Transparency and prompt communication are priorities for the government to address any arising issues quickly. Targeted measures and actions are being considered through dialogue with agricultural organizations.
A 25-year-old was injured by a shotgun during maintenance, which was deemed an accident. Her 26-year-old boyfriend, who is not allowed to possess a weapon, was arrested and presented in court. Despite the incident, the woman stated that he did not intend to hurt her and that their relationship is good. The investigation into the circumstances is ongoing, with testimonies from family and friends expected. She was taken to the hospital for treatment of her injuries.
A farmer reported that there are no disinfection protocols for animal feed at the Port of Larnaca. The President of the Parliament visited farmers and stated that the government has a duty to guide producers. The farmer emphasized that there are suspicions of significant damages to their units. He also mentioned indifference from the responsible authorities and criticism about the current situation. This situation raises concerns and demands immediate actions.
A meeting is taking place at the Crisis Management Center regarding foot-and-mouth disease. A vaccination plan is starting in areas with reported cases, using 10,000 vaccines from the occupied territories. An additional 529,000 doses from the EU are expected soon. Private veterinarians will also be involved in the vaccination campaign. The culling of 263 cattle in Livadia has been completed and will continue in other units.
The police in Limassol were alerted about the discovery of a pistol at the OEDA Pentakomos facilities. The pistol was found by an employee during the manual sorting of waste. It is a black pistol with a brown grip. The weapon has been collected by the police for examination and will be sent for further scientific analysis. Investigations are ongoing to determine whether it is real or a replica.
A new photo of Stephen Hawking has emerged in documents related to the Jeffrey Epstein case. The image shows Hawking smiling between two women in bikinis, likely taken during a conference in 2006 in the U.S. Virgin Islands. While Hawking's name appears multiple times in the Epstein files, there is no evidence of his involvement in any wrongdoing. Millions of documents related to the case have been released, including information about secret storage facilities. Investigations are ongoing into the possibility of unpublished materials.
Today, a vaccination program begins in Cyprus to combat foot-and-mouth disease. The vaccination will target animals in affected areas, aiming to protect healthy populations. Animals in 11 units with positive cases will be culled to prevent further spread. The Cypriot government is coordinating with the European Commission to ensure the program's implementation. Export restrictions on live animals are expected due to the outbreak.
In Limassol, a 25-year-old woman was injured by the accidental discharge of a hunting gun while performing maintenance. Her 26-year-old partner was arrested for illegal possession of a weapon. The woman was taken to a hospital for treatment. The police are investigating the incident. The circumstances surrounding the event are still being examined.
February has proven to be a challenging month for road safety, with five recorded fatalities in traffic incidents, three of whom were motorcyclists. The number of deaths this year has risen compared to previous years, where only two were noted in the same period. While winter months typically see fewer accidents, this year shows an increase. Moreover, there are ongoing issues concerning the safety of electric scooters, with discussions about regulations and legislative proposals. Authorities are investigating the causes of these accidents and seeking solutions for road safety.
The DISY is awaiting the decision of the Limassol District Court regarding MP Nikos Syka's appeal against his removal from the candidacy list. This ruling could cancel the decision of the DISY Political Bureau. If Syka is vindicated, it could lead to significant internal tensions within the party. The decision is expected soon, likely tomorrow, ahead of the Supreme Council meeting. Party leaders are concerned about how to handle the situation should the ruling be overturned.
The livestock sector in Cyprus is in a state of emergency due to the rapid spread of foot-and-mouth disease, causing significant economic damage. Approximately 13,000 animals have been affected, with the first wave of compensation estimated at €4.5 million. The police are investigating potential concealment of cases related to the outbreak. Strict measures have been implemented, including a ban on the movement of animals and the destruction of infected products. The situation has sparked political controversy in the Parliament.
The completion of the gas terminal in Vasilikos requires a new design before tenders are issued for a new contractor. Technip highlights that a mini design is insufficient and proposes a comprehensive redesign. This will require time and funding, making it challenging to secure the necessary resources. In the meantime, efforts will be made to assess the materials that have already been received. The situation complicates the estimation of specific completion timelines for the project.
A private school in Limassol refused to allow a school assistant for a child who needs help for his schooling. Despite the mother's willingness to cover the cost of the assistant, the school remained indifferent, citing internal regulations. The child, who had been enrolled in the school since a young age, was forced to transfer to a public school to complete the school year. The Commissioner for the Protection of Children's Rights has taken up the issue and suggested corrective measures to the Ministry of Education. This situation raises concerns regarding access to education for individuals with disabilities.
The investigation into allegations of rape and domestic violence against Paphos Mayor Phaidonas Phaidonos is nearing completion. The case file will be submitted to the Legal Service for review. The mayor has denied the allegations and did not answer the investigators' questions. The police continue their inquiries, including parallel investigations regarding his wife. All findings will be evaluated to determine the next steps.
There are significant developments regarding the Municipality of Paphos and Mayor Faidon Faidonos, with serious allegations of criminal offenses being raised. The complaint consists of four aspects, including the illegal use of an official vehicle and five unlawful hirings. The Legal Service and police are examining the case and the evidence. The Attorney General has taken on the case, which has attracted considerable public attention. The details of the allegations and the next steps will be determined soon.