Parliament hears of shocking violence and abuse in schools

Parliament hears of shocking violence and abuse in schools

Extreme cases of violence and misconduct involving students and teachers, including sexual abuse, drug use, and assaults, were discussed in a closed-door session of the House Education Committee. A deadline was set for the Ministry of Education to present a plan for creating a unit to support children with extreme behavior. The Minister of Education announced the preparation of a proposal for an alternative attendance program for such cases. Additionally, a new electronic student file system will be introduced to provide immediate access to information about each child for relevant services. The Minister highlighted the importance of prevention and timely intervention in addressing violence and delinquency in schools.

33-year-old alleged mastermind of Larnaca drug ring

33-year-old alleged mastermind of Larnaca drug ring

The Drug Enforcement Agency in Larnaca has arrested five individuals, including a mother and son, in connection to a criminal gang trafficking large quantities of cocaine and cannabis. The 33-year-old suspect is believed to be the mastermind behind the operation. The investigation is ongoing to determine the source of the drugs and if there are other members involved in the trafficking network.

Government seeks EU support for Lebanon migration deterrence

Government seeks EU support for Lebanon migration deterrence

Cyprus seeks to secure a package similar to Egypt for Lebanon to deter illegal migrant trafficking. President Christodoulides plans to involve Ursula von der Leyen in negotiations with Lebanon, following discussions with the EU Commission President. The Cypriot government’s focus is on coordinating with the EU to address increased migration flows, with efforts continuing to designate safe areas in Syria.

Our View: Failure to help Lebanon would be disaster for Cyprus

Our View: Failure to help Lebanon would be disaster for Cyprus

President Nikos Christodoulides visited Lebanon to address the increased flow of Syrian refugees to Cyprus, with over 15 boats carrying 800 migrants arriving in the last week. The president discussed ways to stop the influx with European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen and agreed on messages to convey to the Lebanese government. Cyprus would push for a bigger EU assistance package for Lebanon if the flow of migrants stopped, implying that lack of action from Lebanon could affect the aid. Lebanon, home to two million Syrian refugees, has received minimal EU support compared to other countries like Turkey and Egypt. The effectiveness of Lebanon’s government in tackling trafficking networks remains uncertain.

Cyprus, Lebanon agree to tackle migrant crisis

Cyprus, Lebanon agree to tackle migrant crisis

Cyprus and Lebanon are cooperating to address the issue of growing migrant flows, particularly Syrian refugees coming from Lebanon. Cyprus has seen an increase in migrants arriving by sea, causing tension between the two countries. Lebanon hosts a large number of Syrian refugees, putting strain on its economy. Cyprus is seeking greater financial assistance from the European Commission to help Lebanon manage the situation. Both countries have agreed to coordinate actions and work with the EU to address the issue.

Alien fever dreams fuel Peruvian grave robbings

Alien fever dreams fuel Peruvian grave robbings

Leandro Rivera discovered a cave in Peru’s Nazca region containing pre-Hispanic artifacts, including human bodies with elongated heads and three fingers on each hand. Rivera was convicted of assault on public monuments for excavating the artifacts, which ended up in Mexico and sparked debates on UFOs. Peru is struggling to control the trafficking of archaeological items, which have become popular on the online black market during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite efforts to repatriate stolen artifacts, demands from private collectors in the US and Europe persist. Authorities in Peru face challenges in preventing looted items from leaving the country and repatriating smuggled remains.

‘Turkish Cypriots’ future lies in European values’

‘Turkish Cypriots’ future lies in European values’

Fact: The Turkish Cypriots’ future “lies in European values,” according to opposition party CTP leader Tufan Erhurman.

Pope Francis, in Easter address, calls for Gaza ceasefire

Pope Francis, in Easter address, calls for Gaza ceasefire

Pope Francis called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and the release of all Israeli hostages in his Easter Sunday address.

Judgment day for crypto, ’s golden boy

Judgment day for crypto, ’s golden boy

FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried was found guilty by a jury in New York and sentenced to 25 years in US federal prison for orchestrating a scheme to defraud equity investors in FTX Trading Ltd. He was also ordered to repay billion to customers and investors.

Turkish Cypriot social media journalist arrested

Turkish Cypriot social media journalist arrested

Fact: Turkish Cypriot social media journalist Serdinc Maypa appeared in court accused of violating people’s right to privacy.