military

Turkish Cypriot conscientious objector Karapaşaoğlu jailed for defying call-up

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Turkish Cypriot conscientious objector Karapaşaoğlu jailed for defying call-up

Turkish Cypriot conscientious objector Halil Karapaşaoğlu was sentenced to three days in prison for refusing to pay a fine related to his mobilisation call. This is his second trial in the occupied north for defying the call-up, with his initial declaration of conscientious objection in 2013 leading to military court trials until 2019. Despite receiving a fine in 2019, his refusal to pay resulted in a 20-day prison sentence, later reduced to three nights and four days by a higher court. Critics, such as Murat Kanatlı, have condemned the ruling, pointing out the officials’ hypocrisy in advocating for human rights in European forums but failing to implement relevant ECHR decisions domestically. Karapaşaoğlu’s lawyer, Öncel Pili, has pledged to continue fighting for conscientious objector rights despite the imprisonment.

Voting for ELAM is not a solution

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Voting for ELAM is not a solution

A vote for ELAM is not a protest vote, but rather a vote for a party with ties to the Greek neo-Nazi party, Golden Dawn. There is a close relationship between DISY and ELAM, with personnel transfers between the two parties. ELAM lacks substantial proposals for cultural preservation and regeneration. A vote for ELAM supports decline and does not offer solutions for the future. Traditional parties have also failed to provide viable options, allowing parties like ELAM to thrive.

Gaza aid deliveries drop by two-thirds since Israel’s move into Rafah, UN says

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Gaza aid deliveries drop by two-thirds since Israel’s move into Rafah, UN says

The United Nations has reported a significant drop in humanitarian aid entering Gaza since Israel began its military operation in the region. The daily average of aid trucks reaching Gaza dropped by 67%, with only 58 trucks reaching the area from May 7 to Tuesday. Israel has stated that it is committed to facilitating the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza despite ongoing conflict with Hamas.

Japan sanctions Cyprus-registered firms over alleged Russia support

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Japan sanctions Cyprus-registered firms over alleged Russia support

Two Cyprus-registered companies, IBEX Shipping and Azia Shipping, have been sanctioned by Japan for allegedly aiding Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The sanctions target a total of 12 entities and individuals, including the two Cypriot firms, which are registered in central Nicosia. Japanese authorities believe these entities facilitated the arms trade between North Korea and Russia, strengthening Russia’s military capabilities and potentially supporting its war efforts in Ukraine.

Israel sends tanks into Rafah on raids amid Gaza-wide offensive

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Israel sends tanks into Rafah on raids amid Gaza-wide offensive

Israeli tanks continued to raid Rafah for a second day, defying the World Court’s order to end attacks on the city. The United States did not believe a major ground operation was underway, despite Israel’s incursion into Rafah. Residents reported Israeli tanks entering various areas before retreating towards the border with Egypt. The Palestinian health ministry called for immediate healthcare assistance in Rafah and northern Gaza, where hospitals had stopped functioning. UNRWA reported that around a million Palestinians had fled after Israeli evacuation orders. The Red Crescent Society evacuated medical teams due to ongoing bombardments. The World Court criticized Israel for not ensuring the safety and well-being of the evacuees from Rafah. Israel proposed a ceasefire and hostage release to Qatar, but Hamas insisted talks were pointless unless Israel ended its offensive on Rafah. Over 36,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israel’s Gaza offensive.

World’s largest humanitarian network calls for Gaza ceasefire

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World’s largest humanitarian network calls for Gaza ceasefire

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is calling for a ceasefire and unimpeded humanitarian access to the Gaza Strip, where millions of people are facing worsening hunger.

Court binds Oroklini weapons cache suspects to trial, seeks motive

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Court binds Oroklini weapons cache suspects to trial, seeks motive

Two men, aged 46 and 35, were remanded in custody and committed for trial on July 1 in connection with a large weapons cache found in an Oroklini cemetery. The defendants face serious charges related to possessing explosives and firearms without a license. The cache, believed to be linked to underworld figures, included an array of weapons such as missiles, explosives, and a silenced pistol. Police are awaiting forensic results to determine if the weapons were used in past crimes and to identify potential accomplices through fingerprints or DNA evidence. Bail was rejected for both suspects, who will await trial in Central Prisons.

July 1 trial date for suspects in massive weapons find

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July 1 trial date for suspects in massive weapons find

Two men, aged 46 and 35, were arrested as suspects after a large weapons stash was discovered in a cemetery in Oroklini. They will remain in custody until their next court date on July 1. The weapons cache included various firearms, ammunition, explosives, and silencers, making it possibly the largest amount of weapons and explosives found in Cyprus to date.

Cyprus, Greece advocate EU arms industry for Ukraine aid in funding stalemate

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Cyprus, Greece advocate EU arms industry for Ukraine aid in funding stalemate

Cyprus and Greece are pushing the European Union to prioritize its own defense industry in providing military aid to Ukraine. Despite an existing agreement allowing arms purchases from non-EU countries, the two countries argue that aid should benefit the European defense sector. Hungary is currently hindering the release of a €500 million package from the European Peace Facility intended for Ukraine’s military, citing concerns about discrimination against Hungarian companies in Ukraine as a reason for blocking the disbursement. Discussions are ongoing to bypass a potential Hungarian veto and expedite the flow of funds to Ukraine.

North Korea accused of sending balloons filled with excrement, propaganda to South

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North Korea accused of sending balloons filled with excrement, propaganda to South

South Korea accused North Korea of sending balloons across the border to drop trash and excrement, prompting a military response. Over 150 balloons were detected, with some landing on the ground. North Korea has threatened to send waste-paper in response to South Korean activists’ balloons carrying critical messages about Pyongyang. Previous attempts to ban balloon launches were ruled unconstitutional. Sending balloons is seen as a less risky tactic compared to military action, according to a research fellow at the Sejong Institute.