friends

‘Back to the dark ages’: forced sterilisation still exists

by
‘Back to the dark ages’: forced sterilisation still exists

Forced sterilisation of people with disabilities is legal or not explicitly banned in Cyprus and 11 other EU countries. This practice is considered a violation of human rights and can be a form of cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment. Despite being a criminal offense in Cyprus, mental health laws allow the procedure with guardian consent. Fear, lack of education about sex, and concerns about parenting responsibilities are cited as reasons for forced sterilisation, although less invasive alternatives like the coil are available. The European Disability Forum has campaigned to ban forced sterilisation, but efforts have not been successful in some cases.

What, ’s next on the live music scene

by
What, ’s next on the live music scene

– The Stabat Mater concert will be held in the Limassol district at the Cyprus Wine Museum in Erimi village with mezzo-soprano Anoki von Arx, soprano Vasiliki Konstantinou, and pianist Milena Romanova.
– The Latin jazz band Havana Noche will perform at Sarah’s Jazz Club in Nicosia on May 18.
– Rumba Attack will perform flamenco-rumba and Latin sounds at Agrovino Wine Bar in Lofou on May 23.
– Locomondo, a Greek reggae band, will have a concert at Pyrgos Municipal Stadium in Larnaca on May 25.

Keep your receipts for income tax

by
Keep your receipts for income tax

Efforts are being made worldwide to reduce tax evasion. In Cyprus, there is a proposal to deduct a percentage of expenses up to €50,000 per year for income tax purposes. This may benefit higher earners more than low-income owners. Failure to provide receipts for expenses contributes to tax evasion. Various sectors, such as healthcare, construction, and real estate, are involved in undeclared payments. The issue extends to the catering and leisure sector, with examples of large amounts of undeclared money being spent. The state loses revenue due to tax evasion, and efforts are being made to encourage card payments to combat this issue.

Who do we really trust in Cyprus?

by
Who do we really trust in Cyprus?

Fact: In 2010, an EU study stated that just three in 10,000 Cypriots ‘had no relatives’.

The ordeal of little Konstantinos in the state of irresponsibility

by
The ordeal of little Konstantinos in the state of irresponsibility

Konstantinos-Efraim, a 10-month-old boy in Cyprus, is fighting for his life due to a rare condition called spinal muscular atrophy type 1. Despite his urgent need for a home nurse, the government and authorities have been unresponsive and ineffective for four months. The boy’s father publicly shared their ordeal, highlighting the lack of action and responsibility from the government. The family faces financial struggles and challenges in accessing specialized nursing care. The government’s failure to implement early detection tests for such conditions is also criticized.

‘, Tsitsidosa’ era ends as Badosa announces split with Tsitsipas

by
‘, Tsitsidosa’ era ends as Badosa announces split with Tsitsipas

Fact: Paula Badosa and Stefanos Tsitsipas have ended their romantic relationship after nearly a year together.

Hard right wants more EU power to reflect likely election gains

by
Hard right wants more EU power to reflect likely election gains

French right-wing lawmaker Jean-Paul Garraud expects nationalist and eurosceptic parties to gain influence in the upcoming EU assembly election. Polls predict radical right parties will increase their seats across the EU, including France, Germany, and Italy. Garraud anticipates far-right parties could have positions in committees or even hold key roles in the European Parliament, allowing them to influence policies related to green initiatives, free trade, and immigration. The rise of radical right parties is fueled by a growing gap between mainstream parties and distrustful voters, as well as concerns over issues such as the cost of living, illegal migration, and changing geopolitical dynamics. Critics warn that the influence of the hard right could weaken Europe and potentially lead to closer ties with China and Russia.

From trash to treasure

by
From trash to treasure

Fact: The Re:Source 2.0 exhibition in Limassol, Cyprus, aims to highlight environmental issues and promote eco-friendly habits through art.

Ex-US Capitol cop, Jan. 6 rioter’s runs for Congress illustrate a divided America

by
Ex-US Capitol cop, Jan. 6 rioter’s runs for Congress illustrate a divided America

Former U.S. Capitol police officer Harry Dunn and former mob participant Derrick Evans are both running for Congress in Maryland and West Virginia, respectively, after the events of Jan. 6, 2021. Dunn is motivated by his experience defending lawmakers during the attack, while Evans was among the mob that entered the Capitol illegally. Both candidates emphasize the need to defend the U.S. Constitution, but they have different agendas and approaches to politics. Dunn has raised more campaign funds and received endorsements, while Evans focuses on issues like building Trump’s border wall and term limits for Congress members.

Parents fight for SMA baby denied newborn screening and home care

by
Parents fight for SMA baby denied newborn screening and home care

The lack of newborn screening for Spinal Muscular Atrophy in Cyprus has resulted in Konstantinos Efraim’s irreversible condition, according to his father Pantelis Costa. Despite eventually receiving treatment, bureaucratic hurdles and delays in care have put Konstantinos at risk, with the family facing financial hardship and relying on friends and relatives for support. The Costas have been pleading for home care and nursing assistance, but have faced alleged mockery from officials. Costa plans to take legal action against the state for the absence of newborn screening and inadequate home care services.