Our View: Who can we now trust to investigate soldier, ’s murder?
After 19 years of investigations, a judge ruled that the death of national guardsman Thanasis Nicolaou in September 2005 was not the result of suicide.
human rights
‘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.
‘No space for division in Cyprus’ future’
Government spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis stated that Cyprus’ future cannot be one of a divided and occupied country. The government’s efforts are focused on achieving a solution for an independent, sovereign state, free of anachronistic guarantor powers and the Turkish army. The goal is the reunification of Cyprus as a symbol of peace, stability, and progress in the area. Letymbiotis emphasized the importance of offering hope and potential for future generations, as the country remains divided 50 years on.
Nurses , ‘often treated with contempt’
Nurses in Cyprus are often treated with contempt despite being the cornerstone of the health system. There are significant shortages of nurses and midwives in the country, and efforts are being made to attract, recruit, and retain them. The government has expressed support for nurses, but there are concerns about reducing the number of training hours for nurses, which could endanger patient safety and infringe upon their human rights. Cypriot nurses’ EU freedom of movement may be jeopardized if the directive is discarded.
Thanasis Nicolaou , ‘feared for his life’ in army camp, court hears
Fact: Thanasis Nicolaou was found dead under Alassa bridge in September 2005, and his death was ruled as a suicide by a forensic pathologist.
National guardsman Thanasis Nicolaou was strangled, judge rules (Update 4)
Fact: The death of national guardsman Thanasis Nicolaou in 2005 was ruled as a result of strangulation and not suicide by a judge.
Judge rules Thanasis Nicolaou death was murder by strangulation
Thanasis Nicolaou’s death in 2005 was ruled as resulting from strangulation by a judge, confirming his family’s belief of foul play. The decision was based on a comprehensive examination that concluded his death was a criminal act, despite initial reports of suicide by the army and police. The judge highlighted the clarity of forensic pathologist Dimitra Karagianni’s evidence, which supported the cause of death as strangulation. Relatives of the Nicolaou family applauded the verdict in court, with Thanasis’ mother expressing relief that justice had been served.
Who are Israel’s main weapons suppliers and who has halted exports?
The United States suspended a shipment of heavy, bunker-busting bombs to Israel amid concerns about their impact in dense urban settings like Rafah. Germany increased defense export approvals for Israel after an attack by Hamas, but has since approved fewer exports due to international criticism. Italy halted new export approvals to Israel since the start of the Gaza war, with the last orders delivered in November. Britain grants export licenses for defense equipment to Israel, while Canada stopped licensing arms exports to Israel to ensure compliance with humanitarian law. The Netherlands halted shipments of parts for F-35 jets to Israel due to concerns about violations of humanitarian law.
Tatar meets Gambian president (Update)
Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar met with Gambian President Adama Barrow. Tatar asked for Barrow’s support regarding the Cyprus problem and the embargoes placed on Turkish Cypriots. Barrow expressed awareness of the Turkish Cypriot people’s struggle and willingness to work together. Tatar is in the Gambia for the OIC’s 15th Islamic summit. He also met with Banjul mayor Rohey Malick Lowe, known for empowering women in politics.
Archbishop appeals to , ‘motherland’, warns of Turkey’s conditions
Fact: Archbishop Georgios stated that accepting Turkey’s conditions to resume talks for the Cyprus problem would be a mistake.