attorney general

The obsessive Odysseas

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The obsessive Odysseas

The Attorney General has accused the Auditor General of behaving obsessively towards certain institutional heads, specifically those in the Legal Service. The Auditor General has meticulously gathered and declared every detail regarding these heads, even involving his own son and sister. This has raised questions about bias and whether the Auditor General is trying to discredit them out of envy for their honesty and integrity. There are also questions about the Auditor General’s motives and whether he is seeking to capitalize on the popularity of the Legal Service duo.

US Justice Department takes step to make marijuana use a less serious crime

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US Justice Department takes step to make marijuana use a less serious crime

The U.S. Justice Department is moving to make marijuana use a less serious federal crime by recommending it be reclassified as a schedule three drug with lower penalties. This shift could bridge the gap between state and federal cannabis laws, leading to more research, medical use, lighter criminal penalties, and increased private investment in the cannabis sector. President Joe Biden initiated a review of the drug’s classification, and public support for marijuana legalization has significantly increased. Reclassifying marijuana could also benefit cannabis businesses by allowing their shares to be listed on major stock exchanges, receiving more generous tax deductions, and facing fewer restrictions from banks.

60 inmates to be released early under Easter pardon

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60 inmates to be released early under Easter pardon

Approximately 60 inmates in Cyprus are set to be released early before Easter following a recommendation from the Attorney General and approval by the President. The Prison Directorate compiled a list of prisoners scheduled for release within two months, which was then submitted for presidential pardons. The pardons exclude individuals convicted of serious offenses such as drug trafficking, homicide, or sexual offenses, and those being released were serving short prison sentences. Both Cypriot and foreign nationals are among those being released.

Auditor General faces dismissal bid; explosive statements anticipated

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Auditor General faces dismissal bid; explosive statements anticipated

Attorney General George Savvides has filed a bid to dismiss Auditor General Odysseas Michaelides before the Supreme Constitutional Court, citing “inappropriate behavior” including public disputes, social media activity, and handling of complaints. The application references high-profile cases and controversies, with Michaelides’ legal team planning to call prominent figures for testimony. The Attorney General claims that Michaelides’ clashes are driven by ulterior motives, causing doubts about his integrity. Michaelides’ defenders argue that his role requires expressing differing opinions and dispute allegations of misconduct.

Republican-led states sue to block Biden protections for transgender students

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Republican-led states sue to block Biden protections for transgender students

Five Republican-led states have filed lawsuits challenging new Biden administration regulations that prohibit schools and colleges receiving federal funding from discriminating against students based on their gender identity.

Outlining the key players in Auditor General court case

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Outlining the key players in Auditor General court case

Three judges of the Supreme Constitutional Court, including the current president, previously participated in a case involving the dismissal of a state official for inappropriate behavior. Two lawyers of the Auditor General also have experience in a similar case, as they represented the former Attorney General. The current Deputy Attorney General may be a witness in the process, as one of the issues raised concerns a complaint against him. Two large law firms will represent the Attorney General in the legal battle, one of which has ties to a former judge who prepared a report on the state official in the previous case.

Investigation over Drousiotis’ book intensifies

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Investigation over Drousiotis’ book intensifies

The Independent Authority against Corruption is investigating allegations made in the book “State Mafia” by journalist Makarios Drousiotis. Former officials and Members of Parliament will be summoned to testify, including former Attorney General Kostas Clerides, former MP Averof Neophytou, and others. The focus of the investigation is on the case of Russian oligarch Dmitry Rybolovlev. Former President Nikos Anastasiades has filed a lawsuit against Drousiotis for defamation, seeking €2,000,000 in damages. Drousiotis claims this is a distraction from his ongoing testimony before the Anti-Corruption Authority.

Landmark legal battle unfolds in Cyprus

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Landmark legal battle unfolds in Cyprus

The Attorney General of Cyprus has filed a petition to the Supreme Constitutional Court seeking the dismissal of Auditor General Odysseas Michaelides for inappropriate conduct. This legal battle will involve top legal professionals and is based on a regulatory provision from 2021. The case is unique as there is limited case law on requests for dismissal due to inappropriate behavior, with the only previous case involving former Deputy Attorney General Rikkos Erotocritou, who was criminally convicted. The Constitution does not clearly define what constitutes inappropriate behavior for the dismissal of officials at this level of constitutional protection. The Auditor General has 21 days to file an objection to the request for dismissal, and if the case reaches a hearing, old cases handled by the Legal Service will be brought up, with witnesses called to testify.

Legislation round-up: taxes, housing, employment … and more – NH Business Review

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Legislation round-up: taxes, housing, employment ... and more - NH Business Review

Fact: The second legislative session in New Hampshire is tackling many business-related proposals on the House and Senate floors.

Rampant environmental abuse, calls for disciplinary investigation

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Rampant environmental abuse, calls for disciplinary investigation

– A slew of illegal developments have taken place in environmentally protected areas across the country, including Natura 2000 sites.
– A politically exposed person in Sotira, Famagusta benefited from irregular procedures in obtaining a town planning permit for a tourism development.
– Holiday homes were constructed before all the necessary permits and approvals were granted.
– The most important habitat cave for the Mediterranean monk seal Monachus monachus was affected by illegal construction.
– Cyprus has been referred to the Court of Justice of the EU for its failure to comply with its obligations under the Habitats Directive.
– Concerns were raised over an illegal biological plant in Kalopanayiotis causing environmental pollution.
– A forest conservator is under investigation for illegal cattle farms within the Natura 2000 area.
– Requests by the Inia community for placing sunbeds and umbrellas at Lara beach were promoted illegally, despite objections by the fisheries department.
– Multiple fires occurred at the Geri-Dali recycling plant site and waste was not properly managed.