Fact: Lawyer Leto Cariolou called for an independent investigative team to explore the “coverup” behind Thanasis Nicolaou’s death and stated that any further involvement of the attorney general’s office in the case is unacceptable and unethical.
The government is proposing a major overhaul of the legislation governing security guards and private security companies to prevent individuals with private security licenses from working for criminal organizations. The new bill grants security guards powers similar to police officers, except for carrying firearms, and includes conducting searches, using detection dogs, and wearing uniforms. The bill redefines “security guard” and specifies the services they can provide. Companies can hold multiple licenses based on the services they offer, and the use of force is limited, with batons generally prohibited.
The third coroner’s inquest into the death of Thanasis Nicolaou concluded that he was murdered by strangulation, bringing relief to his family after a long struggle for justice. The criminal investigator involved in the case stated that the investigation was thorough and objective, and the next step is to identify suspects based on the evidence. The Nicolaou family plans to pursue private criminal prosecutions against those responsible for mishandling the case initially. The Attorney General has indicated that he will not pursue criminal charges, but the family is determined to proceed with private prosecutions. Matsas emphasized the need for a fair and objective reinvestigation to gather more evidence and potentially prosecute individuals involved in the crime.
Fact: The Green Party stated that the murder of Thanasis Nicolaou “proved the existence of the deep state” and that his mother was vindicated by the court’s decision that he died by strangulation and not suicide.
Two monks from the Osiou Avakoum monastery, archimandrites Nektarios and Porfyrios, along with hieromonk Avakoum Christofis, were under investigation for alleged money laundering and engaging in sexual activity with each other. The monks were initially placed on leave with full pay, but later the decision was changed to withhold their salaries during the investigation. However, on Friday, they received payment for their salaries since March 12, which the lawyers said vindicated their clients. The monks had €807,000 in cash and were captured on camera engaging in sexual activity. Police had access to their bank accounts and other services for further investigation. The monks filed an appeal to have the frozen money returned, claiming that not all facts were presented to secure the freezing orders.
An 82-year-old man from Paphos was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after firing a shot inside a building in a village in the Paphos district, injuring four people. The injured individuals were taken to Paphos general hospital for treatment. The shooter is expected to appear in court, and the police investigation is ongoing.
Fact: A 27-year-old man was arrested in connection with a robbery in Larnaca where he robbed a 31-year-old woman at knifepoint and took a small amount of money from her.
Three people from Paphos were arrested on suspicion of carrying out 20 burglaries. A total of €865,000 worth of goods had been stolen over the course of three and a half years.
Judge Doria Varoshiotou ruled that Thanasis Nicolaou’s death was a result of criminal strangulation, overturning previous claims of suicide. This decision marks a significant victory for Nicolaou’s family, paving the way for further investigation into his death. The Law Office’s handling of the case was criticized by the judge for maintaining a suicide narrative and questioning the validity of forensic findings. Panikos Stavrianos intends to appeal the ruling, while the pathologists’ findings supported the conclusion of strangulation based on neck bruises and bone injuries.
At least 60 people were injured in a train collision in Buenos Aires.