justice

The shocking slow death of poisoned feral cats

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The shocking slow death of poisoned feral cats

The text describes an incident of deliberate feral cat poisoning in a multi-cultural community in Paphos, Cyprus, leading to several deaths. The author expresses gratitude towards community residents of all nationalities for their support and efforts to save the poisoned cats and provide respectful burials for those that could not be saved. The text also calls for justice against the perpetrators and questions the actions of lawmakers and police regarding the issue. The author mourns the loss of their own cat, Mavro, a victim of the poisoning.

Central Prisons: CoE report flags overcrowding and conditions

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Central Prisons: CoE report flags overcrowding and conditions

The Council of Europe’s Committee for the Prevention of Torture (CPT) released a report highlighting concerns about overcrowding in Cyprus’s Central Prisons and deficiencies in detention conditions across prisons, police holding cells, and Mental Health Services. The report points out issues such as understaffing due to overcrowding, with prison populations exceeding a thousand inmates, and inadequate detention conditions, where cells meant for fewer detainees now accommodate more. The CPT also expressed concerns about insufficient medical personnel in prisons, leading to staff members assuming nursing duties, and suggested increasing efforts to assess incoming prisoners to address suicide and attempted suicide incidents. The Deputy Director of Central Prisons, Haris Philipides, acknowledged the overcrowding problem and stated that measures are being promoted to alleviate it and improve conditions for prisoners and staff. An action plan has been developed for the Committee’s recommendations, with specific timelines to monitor implementation.

In State of the Union, Biden to sharpen contrast with Trump

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In State of the Union, Biden to sharpen contrast with Trump

U.S. President Joe Biden will use his fourth State of the Union address to highlight differences between him and Donald Trump, discuss the strong economy, advocate for higher taxes on the wealthy, and address concerns about his age. The address is part of a constitutional requirement for the president to report to Congress on the state of the union. It will take place at 9 p.m. (1400 GMT) before a joint session of the House of Representatives and the Senate, and will be nationally televised. Polls show Biden and Trump closely tied in battleground states, with most U.S. voters not enthusiastic about a rematch. Biden aims to convince voters of his efforts to protect democracy, abortion rights, and reduce costs. He will propose tax reforms targeting wealthy Americans and large corporations, support for unions, and highlight legislative successes. Biden will also emphasize U.S. leadership globally, including support for Ukraine and Israel, and push for a billion aid package. House Speaker Mike Johnson criticized Biden’s impact on the U.S. economy and reputation. The economy is performing well, but Republican voters are dissatisfied, according to polls. Biden’s campaign plans to criticize Trump on various issues. The NAACP has released a policy agenda for Biden’s address, focusing on voting rights and criminal justice reform. Concerns about Biden’s fitness for a second term due to his age will be scrutinized during his speech. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre mentioned Biden’s accomplishments and his work on the speech at Camp David.

House discusses reining in Attorney-general, ’s powers

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House discusses reining in Attorney-general, ’s powers

The House Institutions committee discussed the possibility of limiting the powers of the Attorney-general in Cyprus following the European Commission’s 2023 report on the rule of law. Attorney-general George Savvides has decided to promote an internal review process for his decisions, which will be conducted by a new team of legal officers. The discussion also addressed the need for the Audit service’s access to information and the prioritization of reviewing the Attorney-general’s role by the justice ministry. The committee highlighted the importance of digitizing the Cypriot justice system and reducing delays in adjudication. A proposed law for a constitutional amendment was mentioned, aiming to separate powers and address issues with the Attorney-general’s decision-making process.

Govt given until 2026 to open juvenile detention centre

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Govt given until 2026 to open juvenile detention centre

The government of Cyprus has been given a deadline until the beginning of 2026 to open a juvenile detention center, as mandated by the House legal affairs committee. The committee chairman, Nikos Tornaritis, expressed dissatisfaction with the current progress and announced that young offenders would remain in a separate area of the central prison until the end of 2025. Tornaritis also highlighted the need to consider relocating the central prison away from residential areas and to build modern facilities, noting the prison’s current overcapacity and its implications for human rights. Additionally, discussions have taken place regarding the construction of new District courts in Nicosia, with a positive agreement from the government to proceed immediately.

Lefka court to reopen on Monday

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Lefka court to reopen on Monday

The courthouse in the village of Lefka is set to reopen on Monday after being closed for over five years due to renovations. It had been closed since 2018 because of safety concerns, with court proceedings temporarily moved to Morphou. Lefka, separated from Morphou as a distinct district in December 2016, traditionally has its own courthouse and police department, similar to the other five districts in the north. With this reopening, the north will have six district courts located in Famagusta, Kyrenia, Lefka, Morphou, Nicosia, and Trikomo. Concerns about the absence of a courthouse in Lefka were raised by residents in January, highlighting an increase in crimes. They emphasized the importance of trying crimes in their place of commission as a deterrent. Additionally, there were calls for the establishment of a Lefka police department, which had been transferred to Morphou in 1977 and not re-established in Lefka since its separation from Morphou.

Gender equality to be at centre of Cyprus EU presidency

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Gender equality to be at centre of Cyprus EU presidency

Upon assuming the presidency of the Council of the European Union in the first half of 2026, Cyprus plans to prioritize the development of gender equality, as stated by Justice Minister Marios Hartsiotis. Hartsiotis participated in the Council of Europe’s informal meeting of gender equality ministers in Brussels, where discussions on promoting gender equality took place. He emphasized the importance of strong political will, commitment, and the contribution of civil society organizations to gender equality efforts. A declaration on gender equality issues was signed by ministers from the current trio of the rotating presidency (Spain, Belgium, and Hungary) and handed over to the incoming trio (Cyprus, Poland, and Denmark) to enhance cooperation and further promote equality at the European level.

Evdokia’s adventure is a disgrace to the Cypriot state

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Evdokia’s adventure is a disgrace to the Cypriot state

Journalist Evdokia Loizou struggled for 17 years to find justice for the professional illness she suffered, which was caused by her working conditions at CyBC, a state organization. Despite her efforts, CyBC denied the work-related nature of her illness, contradicting the decision of the Department of Labor Inspection. The court eventually ruled in favor of Loizou, recognizing the significant impact of her illness on her quality of life and career. CyBC had attempted to disprove the link between Loizou’s workspace and her illness in court and ignored evidence from various medical and official reports. The court’s decision highlighted the state’s criminal behavior through CyBC’s actions, leading to calls for an apology and compensation for Loizou.

Explainer: What you need to know about the 2024 US presidential election

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Explainer: What you need to know about the 2024 US presidential election

Fact: Former President Donald Trump is on the cusp of winning the Republican nomination for the 2024 U.S. presidential election.

Jeffrey Epstein victims sue FBI, allege coverup

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Jeffrey Epstein victims sue FBI, allege coverup

A dozen victims of Jeffrey Epstein have filed a lawsuit accusing the FBI of covering up its failure to investigate the late financier, allowing his sex trafficking to continue for over 20 years. The victims claim that the FBI received credible tips as early as 1996 but failed to interview victims or share information with law enforcement. The FBI began a probe in 2006 but ended it two years later after Epstein pleaded guilty to a prostitution charge. The victims argue that the FBI’s negligence allowed them to be sex trafficked, abused, and threatened. The lawsuit seeks damages from the U.S. government. The number of Epstein’s victims is believed to be over 100.