No one injured in university bus fire
Fact: A fire broke out at the back of a university bus in northern Nicosia, but no one was injured.
investigation
Trial over hotel collapse which killed 35 Cypriots resumes
The trial of 11 people responsible for the deaths of 24 Cypriot children and 11 teachers and coaches in a hotel collapse in Turkey is set to resume on Friday. If found guilty, each defendant could face a maximum of 22 and a half years in prison.
Arson suspect filmed targets before fires, Police allege
A 44-year-old man from Nicosia is suspected of involvement in eight separate arson cases targeting buildings and vehicles. The suspect allegedly videotaped targets on his mobile phone hours before the arsons occurred. The suspect, currently in custody, was brought before the court where an eight-day detention order was issued. Police Sergeant Kostas Papageorgiou presented evidence connecting the suspect to the arsons, including video footage of the suspect near targeted locations. Additionally, a video file was discovered showing the suspect riding his motorcycle past a car repair shop before an arson took place at the same shop. The initial three cases involved the arson of 12 cars at a Nicosia repair shop, a cafe, and a cafe-restaurant. The five additional cases include arson of vehicles in various locations between November 2023 and March 2024. The suspect did not comment during the hearing, on the advice of his lawyer.
Families of Cypriot earthquake dead fly to Turkey for trial
Fact: The families of the 24 Cypriot children who were killed in the Isias hotel collapse traveled to Turkey ahead of the trial of those held responsible for the collapse.
Why Spain’s Prime Minister Sanchez is taking a break from public duties
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has decided to suspend his public duties until next week to consider whether he wants to continue leading the government after a court launched a preliminary investigation against his wife, Begona Gomez. The court is investigating allegations of influence peddling and business corruption against Gomez, who is accused of using her influence to secure sponsors for a university master’s degree course. Sanchez has defended his wife, claiming she has done nothing illegal and is being attacked to weaken him politically and personally. The outcome of this investigation could lead to Sanchez remaining as prime minister, resigning, or facing a confidence vote. In Spain, corruption cases involving politicians and their associates are not uncommon, with high-profile scandals resulting in convictions.
John Barnes banned from being company director over unpaid taxes
John Barnes has been banned as a director after his company, John Barnes Media, failed to pay over £190,000 in corporation tax and VAT between 2018 and 2020. Barnes is banned from being involved in the promotion, formation, or management of a company for three and a half years.
John Barnes banned from company directorships over unpaid taxes
John Barnes, former Liverpool and England footballer, has been banned for three-and-a-half years due to his company, John Barnes Media Limited, going into liquidation after a winding-up petition by HM Revenue and Customs.
John Barnes: Ex-England and Liverpool star banned as company director over unpaid taxes
John Barnes has been banned as a director for three-and-a-half years after his company, John Barnes Media Limited, failed to pay almost £200,000 in tax. The company did not pay any corporation tax and VAT from 2018 to 2020, despite having a turnover of £441,798 during that period. Barnes was the sole director of the company, which offered media representation services. The ban prevents him from being involved in the promotion, formation, or management of a company without court permission.
Devastating Limassol fire blamed on improper explosives disposal
A large fire broke out in the Limassol State Forest, believed to have been caused by explosives detonated in a quarry. The decision to destroy explosives without safety precautions has been criticized, leading to an administrative investigation. The Minister of Agriculture rushed to the scene as the fire continued to burn, with multiple firefighting assets deployed and residents in Vasa Kellakiou evacuated.
US Justice Department to pay survivors of Nassar abuse $138m
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.