court

Russians lay flowers at Navalny, ’s grave

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Russians lay flowers at Navalny, ’s grave

Russians placed flowers on the grave of late opposition politician Alexei Navalny in Moscow, with his mother Lyudmila among the mourners. Navalny died at the age of 47 in an Arctic penal colony on February 16, with supporters claiming he was murdered, a claim the Kremlin denies. Thousands attended his farewell ceremony, and his grave was covered with flowers. Navalny was known for exposing corruption in the Russian elite, leading to his movement being outlawed and his senior allies fleeing Russia. Police observed but did not interfere with the mourners. Navalny had been jailed on charges including fraud, contempt of court, and extremism, which he denied, attributing them to efforts to silence his criticism of President Putin.

Mitch McConnell to end long tenure as top US Senate Republican

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Mitch McConnell to end long tenure as top US Senate Republican

Top U.S. Senate Republican Mitch McConnell announced he will step down this year from his leadership role, ending a nearly 17-year tenure as a Senate party leader, the longest on record. McConnell has represented Kentucky in the Senate since 1985 and has been the Republican leader since 2007. He played a significant role in helping Donald Trump secure a 6-3 conservative majority in the Supreme Court. Despite his contributions, McConnell has faced opposition from hardline Republican opponents allied with Trump. He stated his intention not to run for Senate Republican leader in the upcoming November party elections, planning to serve out the rest of his term in the Senate, which extends through January 2027. Senators John Thune, John Cornyn, and John Barrasso are expected to vie for the top party job. McConnell has also been vocal about his opposition to Trump’s conduct, particularly regarding the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol, and has supported aid to Ukraine against some Republican opposition.

House discusses reining in Attorney-general, ’s powers

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House discusses reining in Attorney-general, ’s powers

The House Institutions committee discussed the possibility of limiting the powers of the Attorney-general in Cyprus following the European Commission’s 2023 report on the rule of law. Attorney-general George Savvides has decided to promote an internal review process for his decisions, which will be conducted by a new team of legal officers. The discussion also addressed the need for the Audit service’s access to information and the prioritization of reviewing the Attorney-general’s role by the justice ministry. The committee highlighted the importance of digitizing the Cypriot justice system and reducing delays in adjudication. A proposed law for a constitutional amendment was mentioned, aiming to separate powers and address issues with the Attorney-general’s decision-making process.

North uni, ’s dentistry faculty has licence revoked

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North uni, ’s dentistry faculty has licence revoked

The dentistry faculty at Morphou’s Cyprus Health and Social Sciences University (KSTU) had its license to teach temporarily revoked by the north’s higher education accreditation authority (Yodak) until January 31 of the next year due to ongoing investigations into a scandal involving the alleged issuance of fake diplomas. A former private secretary to a former ‘prime minister’, now a civil servant at the ‘labour ministry’, was arrested in connection with the scandal. He enrolled at the university on September 13, 2022, and received a four-year degree certificate on the same day after 61 course grades were entered into the university’s database within minutes. This degree enabled him to receive a pay rise in his public sector job. He was remanded in custody for two days for the police to calculate the financial gains from his alleged deception.

McConnell to step down as Senate Republican leader in November

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McConnell to step down as Senate Republican leader in November

U.S. Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell announced he would step down from his leadership role after nearly 17 years, making him the longest-serving party leader in the chamber’s history. McConnell, who turned 82 last week, cited age as a reason for his departure. His stepping down will leave a significant gap in negotiations with Democrats and the White House, particularly concerning spending deals to prevent government shutdowns. McConnell has been a central figure in shaping the conservative direction of the Supreme Court, notably in blocking Barack Obama’s nomination of Merrick Garland in 2016 and facilitating the appointment of Amy Coney Barrett in 2020, contributing to a 6-3 conservative majority. He has had a contentious relationship with Donald Trump, especially after the Capitol riot on January 6, 2021, despite voting to acquit Trump, he blamed him for inciting the insurrection. Senators John Thune and John Cornyn are expected to compete for McConnell’s leadership position.

Lefka court to reopen on Monday

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Lefka court to reopen on Monday

The courthouse in the village of Lefka is set to reopen on Monday after being closed for over five years due to renovations. It had been closed since 2018 because of safety concerns, with court proceedings temporarily moved to Morphou. Lefka, separated from Morphou as a distinct district in December 2016, traditionally has its own courthouse and police department, similar to the other five districts in the north. With this reopening, the north will have six district courts located in Famagusta, Kyrenia, Lefka, Morphou, Nicosia, and Trikomo. Concerns about the absence of a courthouse in Lefka were raised by residents in January, highlighting an increase in crimes. They emphasized the importance of trying crimes in their place of commission as a deterrent. Additionally, there were calls for the establishment of a Lefka police department, which had been transferred to Morphou in 1977 and not re-established in Lefka since its separation from Morphou.

All 19 Zahra Street fight suspects on bail

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All 19 Zahra Street fight suspects on bail

All 19 individuals accused of participating in a mass brawl on Zahra Street in northern Nicosia were released on bail. During the incident, one suspect placed golf clubs in a vehicle and drove to the scene with another suspect. A minor involved in the brawl was seriously beaten by an individual who has not been arrested. The bails set varied based on the severity of the crimes and the ages of the accused. The fight was described by the Turkish Cypriot Nicosia Mayor as a “mafia exercise.” Zahra Street, located in Nicosia’s old town, is known for its social spaces, cafes, restaurants, bars, and entertainment venues.

Taxi driver arrested carrying a gun

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Taxi driver arrested carrying a gun

A Turkish taxi driver, suspected of selling weapons in the south, was arrested by police in Famagusta after being found with a pistol in his car’s glove compartment. The 34-year-old, married to a Turkish Cypriot and frequently traveling to the south for work, was stopped and searched at the Deryneia checkpoint. He faces charges for illegal possession and transportation of a firearm and is expected to appear before the District Court of Famagusta in Paralimni. Police are investigating to identify the intended recipient of the weapon, with the suspect reportedly uncooperative.

Thanasis Nicolaou was subject to “merciless bullying,” investigator testifies

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Thanasis Nicolaou was subject to “merciless bullying,” investigator testifies

Independent criminal investigator Savvas Matsas testified in the third inquiry into the death of National Guardsman Thanasis Nicolaou, whose body was found under a bridge in Alassa in 2005, initially ruled as suicide. After exhumation in 2020, autopsies revealed he had been beaten and strangled. The court dismissed requests for testimonies from coroner Elpida Spanoudaki and Police Officer Melis Antoniou regarding allegations of physical assault on Thanasis in September 2005. Matsas, appointed by the Attorney General, reviewed extensive evidence and described Thanasis’ harsh living conditions at the military camp, including constant bullying, being forced to do menial tasks, and being subjected to humiliating acts. Thanasis had requested a transfer from the camp commander two days before his death, indicating his desire to leave and showing signs of distress.

Thanasis Nicolaou, ’s case ‘a coverup’

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Thanasis Nicolaou, ’s case ‘a coverup’

The investigation into Thanasis Nicolaou’s death, who was found dead under a bridge in 2005 and initially ruled a suicide, was criticized as negligent and irresponsible by the Limassol district court. Despite his family’s 18-year battle claiming Nicolaou was murdered, a judge ruled that a police officer, who was to testify about a confession received in January stating Nicolaou was murdered by a group, would not take the stand. Investigator Savvas Matsas, removed by the attorney-general for disclosing investigation details to the media, described the investigation’s omissions as crossing into gross negligence and possibly a cover-up.