The U.S. Justice Department reached a 8.7 million civil settlement with hundreds of victims of former USA Gymnastics doctor Larry Nassar, resolving claims that the FBI botched the initial investigation into Nassar.
On February 2, 2024, the Tax Appeals Tribunal rendered a significant judgment in appeal No.1514 of 2022, involving Cellnet Ltd and the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA). The Tribunal set aside 60.8 percent of KRA’s assessment of Sh12.98 million related to value-added tax, allowing only Sh5.08 million. The Tribunal found that KRA had conducted an assessment on Cellnet Ltd for a period exceeding five years, which was in violation of the Tax Procedures Act. Cellnet Ltd did not challenge this aspect of the assessment, but the Tribunal raised the issue suo moto, highlighting the importance of upholding tax justice.
The Minister of Justice criticized the media for complaining about the lack of information from the Police, calling their statements ill-advised and unacceptable. The Cyprus Police have been accused of concealing serious cases from the public, with the Minister suggesting that the media only focuses on the negatives. Journalists have the right to criticize and use independent sources in democracies, unlike in totalitarian regimes.
The US House of Representatives has allocated billion to Ukraine and billion to Israel, including humanitarian aid for Palestinians in Gaza. The war in Ukraine benefits the US economy and Russia controls 18% of Ukrainian territory. Israel continues its genocide in Gaza, with mass graves discovered in Khan Yunis. The International Criminal Court should investigate these war crimes. Israel is preparing for military operations in Rafah with the support of its allies. The geopolitical puzzle favors certain countries, like Turkey’s occupation of Cyprus being overlooked. Cypriots and Palestinians struggle to find justice, but the EU must redefine its objectives and not blindly follow American geopolitical interests.
Politicians and media tend to blow matters related to drug use out of proportion, despite the fact that statistics do not support the idea of a drug problem in schools. In the past three years, the Drug Squad sent an average of one student per public school to detox programs each year, indicating that the issue may not be as widespread as portrayed. Youth often agree to participate in these programs as a condition for not being charged, rather than because they are addicts in need of help.
Preparations are being stepped up ahead of this year’s wildfire season in Cyprus. The government is implementing a fire and crisis management system, purchasing new equipment, and hiring 259 new firefighters. There will also be an army of volunteer firefighters for the first time. The central message of fire safety week is to protect the land from danger. Modern technological systems have been installed for monitoring and early detection of fires. Over 110,000 people have signed up for the government’s “fire watcher” scheme to report any suspicious activities that may cause fires.
Two criminal investigators will be appointed by the Independent Authority for the Investigation of Allegations and Complaints Against the Police to look into the death of Anisur Rahman, who fell from a fifth-floor apartment during a migrant raid in Limassol. The Attorney General has approved this request, and the investigators will focus on the circumstances surrounding the man’s death, including the living conditions in the apartment and the reasons for the police search without a warrant.
The commencement of Phase II of the holistic system for fire prevention and crisis management is in an advanced stage, with proposals for necessary equipment procurement soon to be submitted for approval. 259 new firefighters are being recruited, and volunteer firefighters will assist during this year’s fire season. The Fire Service collaborates with CNP Insurance to raise awareness about fire prevention. The Minister highlighted the importance of protecting the environment from wildfires and mentioned the upgrading of Fire Stations and infrastructure as a top priority. Efforts to strengthen human resources in the Fire Service are continuous, with the recruitment process for new firefighters nearing completion. Neighbourhood Watch observers are called upon to assist in timely detection and notification of fires and reporting suspicious activities that may lead to wildfires.
A judge in London ruled that a climate activist should not be prosecuted for holding a placard outside a criminal court telling jurors they could acquit defendants according to their conscience. Judge Pushpinder Saini dismissed the case, stating that criminal prosecution was a disproportionate approach that interfered with the activist’s right to freedom of expression. Warner displayed the sign to inform jurors of their rights and to challenge judges who she believed were acting unlawfully. The attempted prosecution of Warner is part of a wider crackdown on protest movements in Britain and Europe, particularly in relation to environmental activism and climate change protests.
Cyprus cannot accept any more Syrian refugees.