Crime

Police raid prisons second time in Paphos crime case

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Police raid prisons second time in Paphos crime case

Police conducted a raid on the central prisons on Sunday morning, targeting two wings, specifically 5 and 2B. The raid was in connection with the investigation of a prosecutor’s car being set on fire a few weeks prior. The operation took place from 2.30am to 3.30am after police had obtained search warrants. Various pieces of evidence were seized for testing. This followed another raid at the central prisons ten days earlier, which was related to suspected links between convicts and recent criminal activities in Paphos. No arrests were reported from the raid. Additionally, a Paphos public prosecutor’s car was destroyed, and a police officer’s car was torched, while another public prosecutor was injured by a bomb outside her home in recent weeks.

Police conduct overnight search at Central Prisons

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Police conduct overnight search at Central Prisons

The police conducted new investigations at the Central Prisons based on intelligence. The searches focused on two wings, and evidence was discovered. The searches lasted for an hour, and all items found were confiscated for further examination. The investigations were initiated following intelligence about specific individuals convicted of crimes. The searches were conducted after an arson against a public prosecutor in Paphos.

US Justice Department finds that ex-New York Governor Cuomo sexually harassed employees

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US Justice Department finds that ex-New York Governor Cuomo sexually harassed employees

The U.S. Justice Department has agreed with the New York attorney general’s finding that former governor Andrew Cuomo violated federal law by sexually harassing female employees and retaliating against those who spoke out. The federal agency has signed a settlement with the New York Executive Chamber to approve reforms implemented by Cuomo’s successor, Kathy Hochul, to prevent and address misconduct. The settlement calls for the expansion of the human resources department, the addition of new avenues for reporting and resolving complaints involving high-level officials, and the implementation of new training and anti-retaliation programs. Cuomo’s attorney denies the allegations of sexual harassment.

Two arrested for stealing hearse from funeral home

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Two arrested for stealing hearse from funeral home

Two men, aged 22 and 36, were arrested by the police for their alleged involvement in a series of burglaries, including the theft of a hearse from a funeral home. The burglaries and thefts occurred between February 15 and June 4, 2023, and involved residential properties, commercial establishments, and offices. The stolen valuables are estimated to be worth around 20,000 euros. The arrests were made based on laboratory examinations that placed the men at the crime scenes.

Guilty doctor faces licence review

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Guilty doctor faces licence review

A doctor was found guilty of indecent acts and is set to appear before the disciplinary board of the Cyprus Medical Association, which might revoke his medical license. The guilty verdict was issued by the Nicosia District Court. The same doctor had faced a prior guilty verdict in a similar case and had appeared before the disciplinary committee, but the outcome was not made public, and his license was not revoked at that time. The doctor can still practice under current law, despite the recent conviction. The doctor was found guilty of indecent acts against a patient who filed a complaint in the summer of 2020. The court found the doctor’s testimony unreliable and the complainant’s credible. A new trial for sentencing mitigation is scheduled within the next month. The doctor faced four charges of indecent assault against the complainant, all on the same day. The complainant accused the doctor of engaging in indecent acts after she regained consciousness from anesthesia.

Christodoulidis for stadium lockout: "I'm not ruling anything out…"

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Christodoulidis for stadium lockout: "I'm not ruling anything out..."

The President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides, mentioned the possibility of closing stadiums in response to recent events at the "Alphamega" stadium. He stated that he is waiting for decisions from the executive committee of the Cyprus Football Association (KOP) before making a final decision. The priority is the safety of the public. The Minister of Justice will attend the KOP meeting to hear the decisions. The President also expressed concerns about the country facing other challenges such as migration and crime, and emphasized that the taxpayer should not bear the burden of football-related incidents. He stated that if some people want this kind of championship, it will not happen. He is eagerly awaiting the decisions and does not exclude any possibilities.

Custody extended for Paphos attempted murder suspect

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Custody extended for Paphos attempted murder suspect

A 34-year-old suspect is accused of attempted murder in Paphos and will remain in custody until the next trial on February 19. The prosecution argued for continued custody due to the risk of flight and the possibility of the suspect committing other offenses. The Paphos Criminal Court allowed the defence lawyer time to examine new evidence and scheduled a hearing for 9:30 am on February 19. The accused denies all charges, which stem from an incident on September 24 of the previous year, where the suspect allegedly shot a 31-year-old outside his home in Psathi, causing injuries. The victim’s relatives subdued the suspect until he was arrested. The charges against the suspect include attempted murder, illegal possession and transportation of a firearm, and explosive materials.

UK: Machete and 'zombie' knives to be banned

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UK: Machete and 'zombie' knives to be banned

The dangerous "zombie" knives and machetes will be banned in order to stop their circulation on the country's streets. The ban will make the possession, sale, construction, or transportation of these specific knives illegal. The government defines "zombie" knives as blades with a cutting edge, serrated edge, and images or words indicating their use for violence. The crime rate involving knives has increased by 77%, causing significant harm to young people. The Labor Party criticizes the ban for not including other dangerous knives such as "ninja swords" or "Rambo knives." The ban also does not cover the sale of already legal knives online or illegally. The Labor Party aims to restore the rule of law on the streets and take urgent action to protect young people from knife crime.

47-year-old detained, charged with homicide over child’s death

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47-year-old detained, charged with homicide over child’s death

A 47-year-old man from Syria has been detained on suspicion of homicide and human trafficking. The man is accused of killing a three-year-old girl who died at Makarios Hospital and of being involved in the trafficking of migrants found on a boat off Cape Greco. The sister of the deceased girl and another child are in critical condition at Makarios Hospital, while three more children are in serious condition at Famagusta Hospital and another child is being treated at Larnaca Hospital. Four adults with leg fractures are also receiving medical care. The man had previously applied for political asylum in Cyprus but later traveled to Lebanon. The boat carrying the migrants started its journey on January 18 without proper navigation tools and with insufficient fuel. The engine failed midway through the journey, leaving the boat adrift. The migrants had water but no food and were instructed to throw the water into the sea when they saw a commercial vessel approaching, which they believed was a Cypriot police vessel. The boat was reported missing on January 20, and search operations have been conducted but the boat has not been found.