Russian billionaire Fridman wins appeal but remains under EU sanctions

Russian billionaire Fridman wins appeal but remains under EU sanctions

Russian billionaire Mikhail Fridman and his business partner Petr Aven were successful in appealing against EU sanctions related to Moscow’s war against Ukraine. The European Union Court of Justice annulled the sanctions, stating that there was insufficient evidence to justify their inclusion on the list. The men remain under separate punitive measures for now, with Fridman expressing satisfaction with the court’s decision. The EU has imposed sanctions on over 1,700 individuals and entities in connection to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, but some sanctions have been voided or not extended by the ECJ.

Law Office reviews cases of Russian sanctions breach

Law Office reviews cases of Russian sanctions breach

The Law Office reviewed over 40 cases involving potential violations of US economic sanctions against Russian businessmen. Three cases have been completed, including one involving Russian magnate Alexey Mordashov. Indictments will soon be prepared for some cases, with investigations at an advanced stage. The decision to prosecute will depend on whether the violation occurred during a grace period or after the publication of sanctions in the Official Gazette. Some individuals may not have been aware of their inclusion in the sanctions until their announcement. Experts from the FBI recently visited Cyprus for guidance on investigating sanctions-related cases.

Swiss press say , ‘absurd’ European climate ruling could harm democracy

Swiss press say , ‘absurd’ European climate ruling could harm democracy

The European Court of Human Rights ruled in favor of over 2,000 Swiss women who claimed Switzerland had not done enough to combat climate change. This ruling is expected to encourage more people to bring climate cases against governments.

Trump loses bid to delay hush money trial pending gag order appeal

Trump loses bid to delay hush money trial pending gag order appeal

A New York state appeals judge denied Donald Trump’s bid to delay his April 15 trial on criminal charges related to hush money paid to a porn star.

Keravnos targets enrichment of economic model

Keravnos targets enrichment of economic model

Fact: The finance minister of Cyprus, Makis Keravnos, emphasized the importance of enriching Cyprus’ economic model and maintaining investment levels as part of the government’s economic policy.

Germany denies complicity in Gaza genocide at U.N. court

Germany denies complicity in Gaza genocide at U.N. court

Germany denied allegations of aiding genocide in Gaza by selling arms to Israel, with a lawsuit filed by Nicaragua at the U.N. court. Germany is a major arms supplier to Israel but claims its exports are scrutinized for adherence to international law. The country emphasizes its responsibility to both Israeli and Palestinian people, with a focus on Israel’s security due to historical reasons. An ICJ ruling on Nicaragua’s case is expected in weeks, but enforcing it may take years.

Christodoulos Patsalides sworn in as Central Bank governor

Christodoulos Patsalides sworn in as Central Bank governor

Fact: Christodoulos Patsalides was sworn in as Central Bank governor by President Nikos Christodoulides.

Farah Nabulsi: Cinema holds a powerful role in addressing oppressions

Farah Nabulsi: Cinema holds a powerful role in addressing oppressions

Farah Nabulsi started her career as an institutional equity stockbroker but transitioned to filmmaking in her late 30s after visiting Palestine. She founded Native Liberty Productions to highlight injustices faced by Palestinians. Her work, including the short film “The Present,” has received international acclaim. Nabulsi’s latest film, “The Teacher,” will be screened at the Cyprus Film Days International Festival. She believes cinema plays a crucial role in addressing oppressive realities and hopes to contribute to a narrative that inspires change.

‘Reprehensible behaviour on internet should be a crime’

‘Reprehensible behaviour on internet should be a crime’

Attorney-general George Savvides called on parliament to pass a bill criminalizing “reprehensible behavior” on the internet, including posting messages with offensive, obscene, or threatening content. The bill also aims to address the spread of fake news and misinformation online. Savvides emphasized the importance of freedom of expression, which is protected by the constitution and the European Convention of Human Rights. He also highlighted the need for restrictions in legal cases to ensure a fair trial.

Nicaragua seeks to halt German arms exports to Israel at World Court

Nicaragua seeks to halt German arms exports to Israel at World Court

Nicaragua has asked the International Court of Justice to order Germany to stop military arms exports to Israel and to resume funding for the U.N. Palestinian refugee agency UNRWA, citing a serious risk of genocide in Gaza. Germany denies the allegations and states it has not violated international law. Germany is a major arms exporter to Israel, sending 326.5 million euros in military equipment in 2023. Since October 7, over 33,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israel’s military offensive in Gaza. Germany has resumed some funding to UNRWA in certain regions, but not in Gaza.