Monks called to appear before investigative committee
Two embroiled monks have been called to appear before the church investigative committee in relation to a monastery scandal.
sexual harassment
Migration: Difficult to reassess areas of Syria as safe, MEP says
Cyprus is suspending the processing of asylum applications due to an increase in Syrian arrivals from Lebanon. The country wants EU partners to reassess the safety of certain areas in Syria to block asylum applications. MEP Fabienne Keller expressed scepticism, highlighting the challenges posed by Syria’s unstable situation and authoritarian leadership. Keller emphasized the need for support for Cyprus, as it faces a high number of asylum applications per capita. Meanwhile, MEP Tomas Tobé called for EU member states to unite and address the migration crisis collectively, urging a common position on Syria. Cyprus wants EU partners to reconsider the status of Syria, as it believes certain areas are safe for returnees.
Cyprus reportedly pushed back boats carrying 500 migrants
Cypriot authorities pushed back five boats carrying around 500 migrants who started from Lebanon, believed to be from Syria. The authorities provided blankets and food before forcing the boats to turn back. It is unclear if the boats will return to Lebanon or try to reach Cyprus again. The Lebanese authorities did not want to take them back, leaving the migrants stranded at sea. The Mediterranean crossing remains the deadliest route for migrants, with over 3,000 deaths and disappearances recorded last year. The Cypriot operation was kept secret, with the Minister of the Interior declining to provide details. Nicosia suspended asylum applications due to an increase in Syrian arrivals from Lebanon, citing human rights violations in Syria. Pushbacks involve state measures to force refugees out without following legal procedures.
Cyprus beefs up efforts to stop irregular migration, patrol off Lebanon
A Cypriot law enforcement vessel was spotted off the coast of Lebanon as part of efforts to prevent Syrian refugees from reaching the island on small boats. Nicosia has suspended processing asylum applications due to an increase in Syrian arrivals and wants EU partners to reconsider Syria’s status. The presence of the vessel has led to up to five boatloads of refugees being prevented from continuing their journey.
New complaints surface in St. Habakkuk scandal
A new complaint has been submitted to the Police regarding the scandal at the Habakkuk Monastery. The complaint involves interference with a witness who had already testified to the Police investigating the scandal. Investigations are ongoing, with complaints of sexual harassment and attacks also being looked into. The Police have seized over one million euros suspected to be from illegal activities. The investigations are complex and will take time, with every aspect being presented to the Prosecutor General for instructions. Archimandrite Nektarios’ recent statement on social media is seen as an attempt to provide explanations and avoid further controversy.
Despair makes young US men more conservative ahead of election
A global survey showed a surge in despair and disillusionment with established politics, particularly among young American men, who were the only U.S. population group to turn more conservative over the past decade.
Sexual abuse victim , ‘still at same school as abuser’
A high school pupil who was sexually abused by his classmates is still at the same school.
Parliament hears of shocking violence and abuse in schools
Extreme cases of violence and misconduct involving students and teachers, including sexual abuse, drug use, and assaults, were discussed in a closed-door session of the House Education Committee. A deadline was set for the Ministry of Education to present a plan for creating a unit to support children with extreme behavior. The Minister of Education announced the preparation of a proposal for an alternative attendance program for such cases. Additionally, a new electronic student file system will be introduced to provide immediate access to information about each child for relevant services. The Minister highlighted the importance of prevention and timely intervention in addressing violence and delinquency in schools.
Monk breaks silence over monastery scandal: , ‘I owe you an explanation’
Fact: Archimandrite Nektarios broke his silence on the investigation at the Osiou Avakoum monastery, denying allegations of sexual relations with another monk and stating that they were illegally kicked out from the monastery.
Tamassos bishop claims he is being tarnished
Fact: Attempts have taken place to harm Tamassos Bishop Isaias, and the bishopric announced that they have full confidence in the ecclesiastical mechanisms and the police.