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.
investigations
Family of Thanasis Nikolaou: Rejects involvement of Attorney General, Deputy Attorney General and Police in the investigations
The family of Thanasis Nikolaou refuses to accept the involvement of the Attorney General, Deputy Attorney General, and the Police in the investigations of the case. They are calling for an independent investigative team to look into the circumstances of Thanasis’ murder and the alleged cover-up by members of the Police and National Guard.
Ohio trucking company owner indicted in tax evasion scheme
An Ohio trucking company owner, Alice F. Martin, is accused of using multiple entities to conceal income and avoid paying over million in taxes.
Tunisian police arrest prominent lawyer critical of president
Tunisian police arrested lawyer Sonia Dahmani, known for criticizing President Kais Saied, along with two journalists.
10 years of Modi government: Tax reforms, challenges
– Tax filing process has been streamlined through e-filing
– Corporate tax rates have been lowered to encourage investments
– Advance Pricing Agreement program has brought clarity to transfer pricing issues
– Record 125 APAs signed in 2023-24
– Net direct tax collections increased from Rs 6.38 lakh crore in 2013-14 to Rs 19.18 lakh crore in 2023-24
– Total number of ITRs filed in 2022-23 increased by 104.91% compared to 2013-14
– Taxpayers still struggle with understanding the complex GST system
– Challenges include intricate tax rate structure, taxation on consideration-less transactions, and uncertain application of pre-GST decisions
– Vague notices/orders lacking detailed reasoning disrupt the business environment
– Non-constitution of Goods and Services Tax Appellate Tribunals is a concern for taxpayers
– High personal income tax rates compared to global standards may hinder compliance
– Personal income tax collection is higher than corporate tax collection
– Litigations from aggressive tax claims and transfer pricing disputes pose challenges
– Delays in tax refunds and assessment processing contribute to taxpayer grievances.
Avakoum monks had salaries paid
Two monks from the Osiou Avakoum monastery, archimandrites Nektarios and Porfyrios, along with hieromonk Avakoum Christofis, were under investigation for alleged money laundering and engaging in sexual activity with each other. The monks were initially placed on leave with full pay, but later the decision was changed to withhold their salaries during the investigation. However, on Friday, they received payment for their salaries since March 12, which the lawyers said vindicated their clients. The monks had €807,000 in cash and were captured on camera engaging in sexual activity. Police had access to their bank accounts and other services for further investigation. The monks filed an appeal to have the frozen money returned, claiming that not all facts were presented to secure the freezing orders.
Thanasis Nicolaou murder ruling paves way for new probe to find killers
Judge Doria Varoshiotou ruled that Thanasis Nicolaou’s death was a result of criminal strangulation, overturning previous claims of suicide. This decision marks a significant victory for Nicolaou’s family, paving the way for further investigation into his death. The Law Office’s handling of the case was criticized by the judge for maintaining a suicide narrative and questioning the validity of forensic findings. Panikos Stavrianos intends to appeal the ruling, while the pathologists’ findings supported the conclusion of strangulation based on neck bruises and bone injuries.
Paphos man, 82, arrested after firing shotgun over loud music complaint; four injured
An 82-year-old man in Paphos fired a shotgun into the air to stop late-night music from a nearby recreation centre, resulting in minor injuries to four patrons. He faces multiple charges, including attempted murder, bodily harm, and firearm offences. Investigations into the incident are ongoing.
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.
High-profile suspects back in court over fake diploma scandal
– Two high-profile suspects in the north’s fake diploma scandal appeared in court in Morphou.
– Serdal Gunduz threatened the university’s vice rector and forced him to sign degree certificates obtained through illegal means.
– Gunduz holds residence permits in Greece and Russia, making him a flight risk.
– Sefa Karahasan’s degree certificate was signed by someone other than the university’s rector.
– Karahasan was given a 100,000TL bail with two guarantors.
– Opposition party CHP deputy leader criticized the government for appointing Karahasan as TRT’s Cyprus correspondent.
– The fake diploma scandal involved multiple high-profile figures in the north’s education system.
– Turkey’s higher education council announced intentions to prepare a report on the state of the north’s education system.
– Former ‘education minister’ Kemal Durust was arrested for fraudulently obtaining money and his wife was arrested for receiving a fake diploma.