justice

‘Revenge porn’ bill discussed at House committee

by
‘Revenge porn’ bill discussed at House committee

A discussion on introducing legislation to criminalize the non-consensual use of personal images with erotic or sexual content, known as revenge porn, occurred during a House legal committee meeting. Akel MP Giorgos Koukoumas mentioned that the debate on his party’s bill proposal for stricter revenge porn legislation has begun and will continue in future meetings. He highlighted the severe consequences of revenge porn and stated that the proposed bill aims to strengthen the legal obligations of internet service providers to remove such content promptly. The bill also removes the need to prove the perpetrator’s intention to humiliate the victim and provides protection for all victims, including those depicted in digitally manipulated material.

UN says Russia consolidates control of occupied Ukraine with , ‘climate of fear’

by
UN says Russia consolidates control of occupied Ukraine with , ‘climate of fear’

Russia is consolidating control over occupied Ukrainian territory through arbitrary detention, killings, and torture, creating a climate of fear. The U.N. Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine (HRMMU) reported on rights breaches by Russia, including censorship, surveillance, political oppression, repression of free speech, and movement restrictions. Russia denies committing atrocities or deliberately attacking civilians, calling its actions a “special military operation.” Russia controls over 17% of Ukraine’s territory, affecting several million people. The HRMMU’s findings are based on interviews with over 2,300 individuals. Initial rights violations involved killings, torture, and arbitrary detention, targeting those linked to Ukrainian security forces or supportive of Ukraine. This was followed by restrictions on movement, assembly, and expression, and efforts to replace Ukrainian state institutions with Russian ones, violating international humanitarian law. Schools were forced to adopt the Russian language and curriculum, and the justice system jailed people in Russian prisons. Civil servants were compelled to comply with new systems. At the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, workers faced threats, intimidation, and arbitrary arrest if they resisted. Russia also pushed for residents to take Russian citizenship, linking access to services like healthcare and social security to holding a Russian passport. Residents were encouraged to spy on each other, and communication links between Ukrainians in occupied areas and those in territories controlled by Kyiv were cut, isolating families.

US Supreme Court lets Texas border enforcement law take effect

by
US Supreme Court lets Texas border enforcement law take effect

The US Supreme Court allowed a Texas law to take effect that permits state law enforcement to arrest individuals suspected of illegally crossing the US-Mexico border. This decision was made despite opposition from President Joe Biden’s administration, which argued that the law violates the US Constitution and federal law by interfering with the federal government’s authority over immigration regulation. The Supreme Court has a 6-3 conservative majority, and its three liberal justices dissented from the decision. Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed the law, known as SB 4, citing Biden’s failure to enforce federal immigration laws. The law makes illegal entry or re-entry into Texas a state crime, with penalties ranging from 180 days in jail to 20 years in prison. The Justice Department sued to block the measure, arguing it violates federal law and constitutional provisions. However, the 5th US Circuit Court of Appeals paused a ruling that would have blocked the law, leading to the Supreme Court’s decision to let the law take effect.

Audit report reveals compliance gaps in Ministry of Justice

by
Audit report reveals compliance gaps in Ministry of Justice

The Audit Service report on the Ministry of Justice highlights several issues, including non-compliance with laws and regulations, deficiencies in expense control, and incomplete adherence to General Accounting Office circulars. It covers the administration of the ministry, prisons, and the fire service, with a special report on the police published in 2023. The report recommends establishing a reliable internal control system for compliance and monitoring. It notes that some NGOs have not submitted required documentation for funded programs, suggesting legal action to recover funds and possibly withholding future grants. The Ministry of Finance reported an outstanding return of €3,700 from programs/actions in 2017 and 2021, with a Grants Scheme amendment under consideration. Additionally, it highlights the issue of supervisors for released prisoners being overburdened, suggesting a cap on the number of prisoners per supervisor. The report also points out discrepancies in prisoner account balances and unregistered transactions in violation of General Accounting Office provisions. Lastly, it recommends withholding increments for temporary guards who have not passed required exams.

AKEL, Greens voice concerns over Akamas

by
AKEL, Greens voice concerns over Akamas

AKEL and the Green Party have expressed concerns regarding the Cyprus government’s handling of the Akamas peninsula issue. The parties met to discuss a memorandum sent by the Green Party to the government. They criticized the government for not complying with European directives concerning habitats, leading to severe criticism from the European Parliament and legal proceedings initiated by the European Commission against Cyprus. AKEL and the Green Party have raised the issue in Parliament and are monitoring the situation in cooperation with environmental organizations. The Green Party submitted memoranda to the President of the Republic and the Minister of Agriculture, expressing dissatisfaction with the government’s response and calling for upgraded protection of the Akamas area to establish a real national park. They criticized the government’s handling of administrative investigations related to Akamas, with ongoing investigations into the projects deemed destructive to the habitat. The parties are concerned about the government’s actions and the potential legal consequences from the EU.

Audit office raises illegalities at justice ministry

by
Audit office raises illegalities at justice ministry

The Audit Office reported that the justice ministry needs to develop a reliable internal audit system for receipts and payments, highlighting weaknesses in compliance with relevant laws and regulations regarding spending for the fiscal year 2022. It found irregularities in the disbursement of down payments for programmes related to the National Mechanism for Women’s Rights, with payments made without supporting documentation for actual expenditures. The Audit Office recommends legal action against recipients of these funds and deducting the amount given from the next state grant if beneficiaries also receive an annual state grant. It noted issues with invoices under the National Mechanism for Women’s Rights lacking supplier details and receipt dates. The report also mentioned that parole supervisors are overburdened, affecting their performance, and recommended setting a maximum number of parolees per supervisor. Additionally, it flagged the use of a building by the justice ministry without a final certificate of approval, a discrepancy in inmate account balances at prisons, and overpayments to two retired prison guards. The fire service was noted for not having dedicated functionaries to check invoices before payments, and a separate report was published for the police force in November 2023.

Archbishop appeals to everyone to stop leaks about St. Habakkuk

by
Archbishop appeals to everyone to stop leaks about St. Habakkuk

Archbishop Georgios called for an end to leaks related to the scandal at the Holy Monastery of St. Habakkuk, expressing concern over unrest among the faithful. He emphasized the need for a thorough investigation of issues concerning not only the Holy Monastery of St. Habakkuk but also other monasteries, dioceses, and the broader Church of Cyprus. Archbishop Georgios stressed the importance of clarity on these matters for the Church to continue its spiritual work and advocated for both ecclesiastical and state justice to address the situation.

Akamas works , ‘on the right track’

by
Akamas works , ‘on the right track’

Environmentalists expressed satisfaction with a government report on construction works in the Akamas, which proposes corrective measures to restore environmental damage. The report was welcomed by environmental organizations such as BirdLife Cyprus, Terra Cypria, the Wildlife Protection Association, and the Initiative for the Conservation of Natural Coasts. The infringements addressed include non-compliance with the terms of the Special Ecological Assessment for construction works aimed at improving the road network in Akamas, including unnecessary walls, dumping materials on undisturbed ground, and arbitrary widening of roads. The environmental organizations view the proposed remedies as a positive development for Akamas’ future and appreciate the commitment to re-evaluate future road network improvements and visitor service junctions. However, they are concerned about the incomplete conclusions of the administrative investigation into the works and the lack of responsibility assignment. They await the outcome of a third investigation to attribute responsibility. This issue is underscored by the EU’s decision to refer Cyprus to the European Court of Justice for inadequate protection of Natura 2000 sites, highlighting the urgency of implementing Management Plans for these sites, which are still in progress and lack legal force.

North a safe haven for criminals

by
North a safe haven for criminals

– At least 11 fugitives wanted by Interpol have been located in Northern Cyprus in the last 20 months.
– These fugitives, including notable criminals from Australia, Russia, China, and Italy, had purchased real estate and obtained residence permits from the Turkish Cypriot administration.
– All arrested fugitives were extradited to Turkey, as Northern Cyprus, not recognized by any state other than Turkey, has no extradition treaties and relies on Turkey for Interpol-related arrests and extraditions.
– Northern Cyprus is described as a safe haven for criminals due to lack of international recognition, oversight, and adequate controls on entry and activities within the country.
– Moldovan authorities believe fugitive oligarch Vladimir Plahotniuc is hiding in Northern Cyprus.
– The 2023 Global Organised Crime Index indicates that Northern Cyprus has a significant presence of individuals wanted by Interpol and is a hub for organized crime activities.
– A study based on Transparency International’s methodology found widespread bribery in Northern Cyprus, with 40% of business executives admitting to engaging in bribery.
– The uncontrolled entry of individuals into Northern Cyprus poses a security threat, with instances of apprehended terrorists and foiled terror attacks highlighted.
– Authorities estimate that the number of Iranians living in Northern Cyprus has reached 15,000, with over 40,000 entering through air and seaports in 2023.
– In the last 20 months, 21 individuals were deported for reasons such as threatening public law and order, and 29 Nigerians, many affiliated with violent cults, were also deported.
– The issuance of student visas and the presence of 23 universities hosting around 110,000 students, many of whom are not attending classes, are identified as factors contributing to illegal activities.

EU Commission VP comes to Cyprus next week

by
EU Commission VP comes to Cyprus next week

Margaritis Schinas, the Vice-President of the European Commission for the promotion of the European Way of Life, will visit Cyprus next Friday. During his visit, he will participate in an inter-ministerial meeting with several Cypriot ministers, including Interior Minister Constantinos Ioannou, Education Minister Athena Michaelidou, Justice Minister Marios Hartsiotis, Deputy Social Welfare Minister Marilena Evangelou, and Deputy Culture Minister Vassiliki Kassianidou. Schinas is also scheduled to deliver a speech at the University of Nicosia on democracy and the European elections, meet with the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Annita Demetriou, and meet with members of the management board of the Cyprus Cancer Research Institute. The debate at the University of Nicosia will be open to the public and will take place at the UNESCO Amphitheatre, where Schinas will discuss various issues including migration, security, education, equality, diversity, culture, sport, and the commission’s dialogue with religious organizations.