Fact: The bill aimed at criminalizing ‘reprehensible behavior’ online targets threats, obvious fake news, and threatening behavior that would be against the law if carried out outside of the internet. Individuals cannot take private cases if they are annoyed by people.
The text discusses how Finland could generate over one billion euros in additional tax revenue by closing tax loopholes, according to a report by Finnwatch.
Fact: The Cyprus Investment Funds Association (CIFA) met with key executives from the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC) to discuss regulatory advancements and collaboration in the funds industry in Cyprus.
Fact: Architects and engineers involved in the construction of a monastery at the environmentally protected Natura 2000 site in Cape Greco will appear before a disciplinary board.
Attorney General George Savvides supports a bill criminalizing threatening and condemnable behaviors on the Internet and Mass Media. The bill aims to draw a line between freedom of speech and recklessness, focusing on manifestly threatening and insulting behaviors. Savvides assures that the bill does not target criticism or expression of opinions, and journalists with professional standards have nothing to fear from it. The bill requires the Attorney General’s consent for criminal prosecution, ensuring that private individuals cannot misuse it.
Ukrainian lawmakers approved a bill allowing convicts to serve in the military to replenish troops exhausted from the war with Russia. Those convicted of serious crimes would not be eligible. Another bill imposing fines for failing to follow mobilisation rules was also passed. The number of additional military personnel that could join if the bills become law is unclear. Lawmakers are working to prevent corruption in the convicts bill. The final readings of the bills are still pending, with a vote expected soon. Ukraine’s parliament is also amending the army mobilisation process to increase its capability to call up new servicemen due to a lack of volunteers and draft evasion during the ongoing war.
The Law Office reviewed over 40 cases involving potential violations of US economic sanctions against Russian businessmen. Three cases have been completed, including one involving Russian magnate Alexey Mordashov. Indictments will soon be prepared for some cases, with investigations at an advanced stage. The decision to prosecute will depend on whether the violation occurred during a grace period or after the publication of sanctions in the Official Gazette. Some individuals may not have been aware of their inclusion in the sanctions until their announcement. Experts from the FBI recently visited Cyprus for guidance on investigating sanctions-related cases.
A tax preparer in Miami discusses finances with a customer completing her tax return on April 17, 2023.
The government rejected accusations of efforts to spare Tamassos Bishop Isaias of any criminal charges amid ongoing investigations of a major scandal surrounding the Osiou Avakoum monastery.
Interior ministry and audit service are in disagreement over proposed changes to laws regulating the management of Turkish Cypriot properties. The interior ministry believes that allowing Turkish Cypriot properties to be inherited by relatives of refugees residing in them will resolve inequality and feelings of injustice among displaced persons. The ministry also stated that inheritance refers to the license to use the property, not ownership. Auditor-General Odysseas Michaelides expressed concerns that well-off individuals may end up with Turkish Cypriot properties, while homeless refugees may be left without housing. The committee chairman noted that there are reservations about the transfer of properties to non-refugees and potential political issues related to succession.