Trump faces criminal trial, a historic first for a former US president

Trump faces criminal trial, a historic first for a former US president

Donald Trump is the first former U.S. president to stand trial in Manhattan court on charges related to a hush-money payment to a porn star. The trial is expected to last through May, with 12 jurors and six alternates selected from Manhattan residents. Trump pleaded not guilty to falsifying records to cover up the payment. If convicted, he could still hold office, but a guilty verdict may impact his prospects in the 2024 White House race. The case is seen as the least consequential of the four criminal prosecutions he faces, but it is the only one guaranteed to go to trial before the November election. The payment to the porn star was part of a “catch and kill” scheme to suppress negative information about Trump before the 2016 election.

Trump makes history with New York hush money criminal trial

Trump makes history with New York hush money criminal trial

Fact: Donald Trump became the first former U.S. president to stand criminal trial in a Manhattan court on charges related to a hush-money payment to a porn star.

Second man who jumped from Limassol apartment out of danger, as Anisur’s body to be taken to Bangladesh

Second man who jumped from Limassol apartment out of danger, as Anisur’s body to be taken to Bangladesh

The second man who jumped from a fifth-floor apartment during a migrant raid in Limassol is now out of danger, while efforts are being made to repatriate the body of the 19-year-old who died during the operation.

Christodoulides: Very difficult situation, hope there will be no escalation

Christodoulides: Very difficult situation, hope there will be no escalation

President Christodoulides convened an extraordinary meeting of the National Security Council with several ministers and officials, lasting over an hour. Cyprus is not involved in any attacks, as stated by the President. He emphasized the difficult situation and the need to safeguard the interests of the Republic and its people. Continuous monitoring and alertness are in place, with discussions scheduled with European leaders regarding the situation, including migration issues. The President confirmed that there was no prior information from the British about the attacks from the bases.

Cyprus suspends asylum processing for Syrians (Update)

Cyprus suspends asylum processing for Syrians (Update)

Cyprus has suspended its processing of asylum claims for applicants of Syrian origin.

Limassol migrant death: Flatmate refutes police account

Limassol migrant death: Flatmate refutes police account

An eyewitness to a police raid in Cyprus refuted the police’s version of events, claiming that officers broke into the apartment without a search warrant and used force on the residents. The raid resulted in the death of a 19-year-old worker from Bangladesh who fell while attempting to escape. The injured man is under police surveillance in the hospital, and there are calls for clarification on legal protocols and use of force during the raid. An independent inquiry has been launched to investigate the circumstances of the young man’s death.

Cyprus , ‘well below’ EU renewable energy target

Cyprus , ‘well below’ EU renewable energy target

– Cyprus’ contribution to the EU renewable energy target is below that required by EU legislation.
– The EU Commissioner for the Environment, Oceans, and Fisheries, Virginijus Sinkevicius, stated that Cyprus has taken significant steps towards implementing green reforms and investments.
– There is untapped potential for renewable energy in Cyprus.
– The updated national Recovery and Resilience Plan is important for accelerating the use of renewable energy in Cyprus.
– Sinkevicius highlighted Cyprus’ failures in Natura 2000 areas and the EU’s decision to take the country to the EU Court of Justice.
– He emphasized the need for appropriate measures in areas of conservation.
– Sinkevicius mentioned that environmental protection and development of tourism should not be contradictory goals.
– The EU supports bi-communal cooperation on the environment in Cyprus through technical support, funding, and projects with an environmental footprint that benefit both sides.
– Sinkevicius discussed the EU’s role in preventing wildfires, reforestation policies, air pollution, and dealing with the increase of dust storms in Cyprus.

Trump’s hush money trial will not be delayed because of publicity, judge rules

Trump’s hush money trial will not be delayed because of publicity, judge rules

The New York judge overseeing Donald Trump’s hush money criminal case rejected his bid to delay the scheduled trial due to pre-trial publicity. Trump argued that media coverage was biased against him and finding an impartial jury in Manhattan would be difficult. The judge ruled that an indefinite delay was not feasible, noting that Trump himself had contributed to the publicity surrounding his legal troubles. Prosecutors argued against a delay, stating that sufficient impartial jurors could be found through thorough questioning. Trump, who is running for president in an expected November election rematch, has pleaded not guilty to all charges in the hush money case.

Teacher abuse incident under investigation

Teacher abuse incident under investigation

Sexual abuse in Cypriot schools has been on the rise, with three recent cases reported. One incident involved a female teacher being forced to resign due to abuse by students. Delays in response and gaps in management have been highlighted. The police are investigating cases of abuse, clarifying that any offense involving a minor victim is considered sexual abuse. The Minister of Education emphasized the need for immediate reporting and coordinated action among all stakeholders. A lawmaker has requested information on protocols for preventing and addressing deviant behavior in schools.