Environmental action: you can make a real difference
Fact: Supporting environmental organizations can enable them to have a more influential presence during their participation in decision-making bodies and committees.
justice
‘Hallmarks of genocide’ in Russian crimes across Ukraine, Ukrainian prosecutor says
Ukraine’s top prosecutor, Andriy Kostin, stated that Russian crimes in occupied Ukrainian territories, including the Bucha massacres, exhibit genocidal behavior. Over 125,000 alleged war crimes by Russian forces have been recorded, with thousands in Bucha. Kostin believes these crimes show signs of genocide and should be tried domestically and at the International Criminal Court. The ICC has issued arrest warrants for Russian suspects, including President Putin, for war crimes and crimes against humanity. Kostin aims to prosecute these crimes up to Russia’s military and political leadership in both Ukrainian and international courts.
Russia sentences Pussy Riot activist to eight years for Ukraine ‘war fakes’
Pyotr Verzilov, a Russian-Canadian activist and founder of an independent news site, was sentenced to eight years and four months in absentia for criticizing the war in Ukraine on social media.
Cyprus , ‘at its limit’ with migrant flows, discontent with Lebanon
Cyprus is deeply concerned about the increasing arrival of Syrian migrants, with five boats carrying 400 individuals arriving in the last 24 hours. President Nikos Christodoulides expressed discontent with Lebanese authorities for exporting migrants to Cyprus. The EU is urged to support Cyprus in addressing the migration issue. The government is implementing measures to tackle the influx, but the strain on resources is unsustainable. The majority of migrants arriving are from Syria, with a record number of arrivals in the first three months of 2024.
Ukrainian defence attorneys face moral dilemma in war crime trials
Ukrainian lawyer Khrystyna Vrashchuk, along with over 200 attorneys, represents suspected Russian war criminals and local collaborators in Ukraine. The lawyers face a moral dilemma as they defend individuals accused of committing war crimes against Ukrainians, despite the legal requirement for representation. Vrashchuk, for instance, argued in court against a woman seeking justice for her tortured family members, feeling conflicted about her role. The lawyers must maintain professionalism and uphold the law, even in emotionally challenging cases.
Auditor-general calls for accountability over Natura 2000 mess-up
Fact: Cyprus has been referred to the EU Court of Justice by the European Commission for failures to implement the Habitats Directive in environmentally protected Natura 2000 areas.
‘Turkish Cypriots’ future lies in European values’
Fact: The Turkish Cypriots’ future “lies in European values,” according to opposition party CTP leader Tufan Erhurman.
Delays in legal procedures
The legal system in Cyprus is facing significant difficulties, with long delays in court cases and a lack of efficiency. This has led to a situation where international agreements refer to arbitration or foreign law courts, such as in the U.K. Due to delays and inefficiencies, justice is breaking down, with people not bothering to pursue their rights. There are also reports of “bouncers” taking the place of police and acting as judges in resolving disputes. The use of court officers to serve writs is also problematic, with some officers not fulfilling their duties. Efforts are being made to address these issues, including the introduction of arbitrators, but it will take time for these measures to be effective.
Imamoglu, the Turkish mayor most likely to challenge Erdogan, ’s rule
Fact: Newly re-elected Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu is seen as the main challenger to Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan’s reign.
Interior Minister sees signs of solution to Cyprus problem
Interior Minister Constantinos Ioannou stated that the government can see signs of a potential solution to the Cyprus problem in the near future.