5 Minute News

An alert was raised at Eleftherios Venizelos Airport when a Lufthansa aircraft had to return due to a fire in the APU system. The pilots requested an emergency landing just 16 minutes after takeoff. When the plane landed, security protocols were activated, and an evacuation order was given. Passengers reported panic as they had no prior information while fire trucks approached. Ultimately, all passengers were safely evacuated from the aircraft.

A German man and his American wife were sentenced in Spain for isolating their three children in a filthy home for nearly four years, citing fears of the Covid-19 pandemic. The children suffered serious psychological and physical trauma due to this abuse. Authorities found alarming living conditions, including used diapers and animal waste. After their rescue, one of the children expressed amazement at the grass outside the house. The couple received a nearly three-year prison sentence.

Turkey is enhancing its military presence in occupied Cyprus by deploying the TRG-300 missile system and establishing a drone production center. These actions are aimed at controlling the Eastern Mediterranean and key maritime routes toward Syria and Lebanon. Analyst Koray Kamatci highlighted the strategic significance of this development. Additionally, the Turkish company Baykar announced plans to create drone production and training centers in occupied territories. The goal is for young people to gain knowledge in the construction and operation of drones.

A new political confrontation has erupted between AKEL and Odysseas Michailidis, who accused the General Secretary of AKEL of involvement in the Vasilikos scandal. AKEL responded by stating that it has denounced the agreement from the beginning and criticized Michailidis for his attacks. Furthermore, the party emphasized the need for a constructive discussion on social issues rather than political disputes. This situation reflects the pressure on Michailidis's electoral campaign. Leaders agreed that Cyprus is small, and the public knows the truth.

The Larnaca Police arrested an individual in connection with an incident on the Larnaca-Airport highway, where a vehicle hit a 65-year-old British man. The elderly man was carried on the vehicle's windshield for over 2 kilometers. The incident became public through a shocking video. The driver of the vehicle fled the scene after the collision and now faces serious charges. The reasons for the driver's fleeing remain unclear.

Georgios Mylonakis, the Deputy Minister to the Prime Minister, has been discharged from the ICU and his health has improved. His condition allowed for his transfer to a specialized rehabilitation center for continued care and recovery. The doctors deemed this transfer necessary for his recuperation. A new health update was released on May 11, 2026. This progress is encouraging for his recovery.

Blackstone agreed to acquire a majority stake in Skroutz from CVC Capital Partners for €635 million. The founders of Skroutz will continue to have a stake in the company, with George Hatzi-georgiou remaining as CEO. Skroutz has evolved into a major online marketplace in Greece, offering over 26 million products. Blackstone's investment aims to support Skroutz's growth and expansion into Southeast Europe. The transaction is expected to be completed in 2026, pending regulatory approvals.

A man's body was discovered in a burned vehicle near the fish farm in Liopetri. The British Bases were alerted, and police were quick to respond. The area has been cordoned off, and investigations are underway to determine the cause of the fire and death. All possibilities regarding the circumstances are being considered. The police confirmed the finding of the body and the burned vehicle.

The Court of Appeals overturned the 22-year imprisonment decision of George Zavrantonas for drug-related charges. His lawyer filed an appeal citing judicial misconduct. Specifically, he pointed out changes in the composition of the Criminal Court. The Court of Appeals agreed with the defense and ruled that the case should be retried. This means the process will start again.

The Deryneia-Sotira road is being opened to traffic after many years of planning, with a cost of €13.3 million. The project includes improved road networks, bike paths, bus stops, and modern lighting, contributing to safety and accessibility in the area. The upgrade will strengthen the economic and social cohesion between the two areas. Additionally, infrastructure has been created for environmental protection and proper water management. The project is considered significant for the local economy, especially for the agricultural sector.

British Bases are on alert following the discovery of a body near the fish farm in Liopetri. The scene has been cordoned off for investigation. Authorities are looking into whether the body is connected to a burning vehicle found in the area. Details regarding the cause of death are not yet available. Information remains limited.

A report from the investigative team on the 'Sandis' case is currently with the Chief of Police and will be submitted to the Minister of Justice. The police spokesman noted that the report details the progress of the investigations. The Chief will inform the Minister about the case's status. Additionally, the investigative work is expected to be completed with the forthcoming report from Europol. This report is expected to be delivered shortly.

Paphos is on alert following the discovery of a body in a rural area near Praitori. A vehicle belonging to an elderly individual was found on the scene. Authorities are investigating whether the body belongs to a missing person. More details are expected soon.

Donald Trump rejected Iran's proposal for ending the war, calling it unacceptable. Oil prices are rising following Trump's response and Iran's warnings to France and Britain. The talks between the U.S. and Iran appear to be at a deadlock. Iran has proposed a gradual opening of the Strait of Hormuz and sending enriched uranium to a third country. However, the negotiations have not progressed clearly.

The coastal promenade in Oroklini is facing serious erosion problems that pose risks to public safety. Architects of the project highlight unauthorized interventions and a lack of maintenance, with some sections closed due to collapse risks. The erosion is linked to changes in the coastal infrastructure and affects neighboring hotels as well. Despite these challenges, the promenade project has received awards and international recognition. The architects emphasize that the construction was approved by all relevant authorities.

The election period is intensifying with parties preparing their final strategies. Traditional parties like DISY, AKEL, and DIKO emphasize their political positions, while ELAM and ALMA focus on issues of corruption and immigration. The emergence of new parties like ALMA and Direct Democracy creates an imbalance in the party system. These political movements challenge traditional political positions. The situation remains uncertain as elections approach.

Nikos Christodoulides' statement on the parliamentary elections indicates his desire for a center-right majority in the parliament. He emphasized the need for a clear ideological and political framework from the candidates. Meanwhile, DISY president Annita Demetriou is actively working to support her party while maintaining internal balance. She approaches the situation with caution and rationality. Christodoulides concludes that it is important for candidates' positions to be clear to the Cypriot people.

Eleven police officers will face criminal charges for serious offenses following citizen complaints to the Independent Authority for the Investigation of Claims and Complaints Against the Police. The charges include allegations of degrading treatment and unlawful arrest. There are videos that support these complaints. The Attorney General has decided to pursue criminal prosecution, and the cases are being filed in court. Developments indicate that the process will continue shortly.

The Environmental Authority is examining a redevelopment plan in Trozzena due to unauthorized interventions in the Natura 2000 area. These works were carried out without environmental approval and building permits. Such interventions reportedly occurred before the required Special Ecological Evaluation Study was submitted. Significant earthworks have already taken place in various zoning areas. The Department of Environment must decide whether to continue the evaluation of the project given these irregularities.

The upcoming period will be crucial for changes in the pension system and the subsidies for workers in the hospitality industry. Decisions are expected regarding the extension of subsidies until June and the amount of the new basic pension. Priorities also include the reduction of the 12% penalty for early retirement and the investment policy for Social Insurance Funds. Meetings and sessions are scheduled to assess progress on these issues. The government aims to implement pension reform starting January 1, 2027.