Minister pledges action over prison escape
Fact: A prisoner escaped from Nicosia central prisons by walking out the front door and was found two hours later.
justice
Massive election tampering – 20,890 citizens “changed” address
The Ministry of Interior has asked the Prefects to record all cases of electoral list objections and forward them to the Attorney General for further investigation. Almost half of the objections were accepted by provincial administrations, with 41% of the total objections being approved. If a case of wrongdoing is established, those involved will face criminal charges, with potential penalties of up to six months in prison or a 1000 euro fine. There are suspicions that the objections and voter relocations may have been organized by political parties or candidates, but a police investigation is ongoing to determine the truth.
Arms dealers wanted by the FBI are also based in Cyprus
Two businessmen of Arab origin linked to illegal arms trafficking to states hostile to the West have been connected to Cyprus. The individuals, Samir Raja and Mohammad Deiry, are wanted by the FBI and have set up companies in Cyprus for their activities. They are believed to be involved in arms trafficking without licenses and money laundering. The companies involved, S. Group Airlines Ltd and Centuronic Ltd, were recently sanctioned by the US Treasury Department.
Hundreds march for Cypriot earthquake dead
Fact: Hundreds of people marched in northern Nicosia to demand justice for the 24 Cypriot children who were killed when the hotel they were staying in Turkey collapsed during last year’s earthquakes.
Lawyers aim to wrap up jury selection in Trump criminal trial
Fact: Lawyers in Donald Trump’s criminal trial are expected to wrap up the process of selecting a jury that will determine whether a former president is guilty of breaking the law.
Govt plans to protect elderly from abuse
The government is exploring ways to strengthen its framework to protect the elderly from abuse.
House of Representatives honours Armenian genocide victims
Fact: The House of Representatives observed a minute’s silence for the victims of the Armenian genocide and pledged to fight for a world where peace and justice prevail.
Mothers of Cypriot earthquake dead meet Turkish justice minister
– The mothers of two Cypriot children who were killed in last year’s earthquakes in Turkey met with Turkish Justice Minister Yilmaz Tunc.
– The trial of 11 people responsible for the Isias hotel’s collapse is set to resume on April 26, with each defendant facing up to 22 and a half years in jail if found guilty.
– Families and Turkish Cypriot leaders are demanding that the charges be upgraded to intentional killing, with protests planned in Nicosia.
Capital gains tax upped for wealthiest Canadians
Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland delivered a federal budget that keeps the deficit capped at billion, thanks to higher-than-expected government revenues and new taxes that largely offset new spending. The budget pledges billion in new spending focused on economic justice for younger generations. The government plans to pay for most of its new spending initiatives with higher taxes on the wealthiest Canadians and businesses, including increasing the capital gains inclusion rate. The deficit, deficit-to-GDP ratio, and debt-to-GDP ratio are projected to fall every year until 2028-29. The federal budget also includes initiatives aimed at boosting the economy’s productivity, such as expanding artificial intelligence capacity and research support.
Recruitment of 259 new firefighters in final stage
The completion of the recruitment of 259 new firefighters to be added to the existing strength of the Fire Service is in its final stages. The Minister of Justice and Public Order highlighted the efforts being made to strengthen the Fire Service personnel and enhance the state response system. The challenges facing the Fire Service are increasing due to a changing environment, technological advancements, and an increase in disasters. The government is prioritizing the continuous strengthening and upgrading of the Fire Service to improve response rates and citizens’ sense of security. The Minister emphasized the importance of timely preparation and collaboration to prevent major wildfires, urging firefighters to operate at the highest level of readiness.