High tension in Thanasis Nikolaou death inquiry

High tension in Thanasis Nikolaou death inquiry

The death inquiry of Thanasis Nikolaou continues, with forensic pathologist Dimitra Karagianni being examined by the representative of the Legal Service, Xenia Xenofontos. Karagianni was appointed by the Athens Prosecutor’s Office and not paid by the Nikolaou family. She received a fee for her examination work from the Republic of Cyprus, totaling 9,000 euros for two examinations. Tension arose during the inquiry, especially when discussing the forensic report and the condition of Thanasis Nikolaou’s fetal bone. Karagianni rejected the term “genetic abnormality” for the condition of the bone, citing evidence from an anatomy handbook. She was not present during the exhumation of Thanasis’s body and could not comment on the amount of soil covering it. The judge had to intervene multiple times due to the tension and to ensure the focus remained on substantive questions.

Military starts probe over serious grenade injury of Greek soldier in Cyprus

Military starts probe over serious grenade injury of Greek soldier in Cyprus

The Cypriot Ministry of Defense and the National Guard are investigating the injury of a 23-year-old Greek soldier in Cyprus, who was harmed by a grenade. The soldier, a member of the Hellenic Force in Cyprus (ELDYK), has undergone amputation of his right hand following the grenade explosion during army training in the area of Agios Modestos, near Stavrovouni. The Ministry has been providing support to the injured soldier and his family, ensuring he receives the best possible medical care and attention. A thorough investigation is underway to determine the circumstances and causes of the soldier’s injury, with a focus on maintaining medical confidentiality and avoiding actions that could worsen the emotional state of those involved or affect the investigative process.

Renovations begin at Kyrenia promenade

Renovations begin at Kyrenia promenade

Renovation works have started on Kyrenia’s sea promenade, as announced by the town’s mayor Murat Senkul. The renovation aims to transform the area into a special public space. The project began as renovations to the town’s old harbour are nearing completion, though some issues remain unresolved, such as the placement of restaurant tables and chairs. Deputy parliament speaker Fazilet Ozdenefe highlighted ongoing problems, including incomplete arrangements for sunshades and parasols, confusion about the project’s final version, and safety risks due to unaddressed rotten wood on the pier. A young man survived a fall caused by the rotten wood without injury. Additionally, a plan to display old rail tracks under glass has been compromised by condensation, obstructing visibility.

Search and rescue volunteers are restricted by law for safety reasons

Search and rescue volunteers are restricted by law for safety reasons

The Ministry of Defense has passed a bill stating that only reserve frogmen, paratroopers, and those with recognized first aid, lifeguard, and diving licenses will be allowed to participate in rescue operations. The approximately 200 current volunteers who do not belong to these categories will be released. The bill also outlines the criteria for individuals to become volunteer rescuers, including being a citizen or permanent resident of Cyprus and meeting certain qualifications. Employers are required to allow volunteer rescuers to participate in operations when called upon by the Ministry of Defense. In case of injury or death during volunteer duties, free medical care will be provided. The volunteer status can be suspended for various reasons, including health issues, failure to perform duties properly, non-compliance with orders, inappropriate behavior, or at the volunteer's request. The 200 current volunteers will be evaluated to determine if they meet the criteria outlined in the bill.

Does anyone care about the real workers?

Does anyone care about the real workers?

President Nikos Christodoulides announced a seat of 80 measures, which will be his administration’s policy priorities for 2024. Opposition parties criticized the declarations as lacking substance and repeating previous statements. The president backtracked on election pledges regarding benefits for vulnerable groups. He diverted attention by declaring fast-tracked benefits for new pensioners. Trade unions have significant influence in securing their demands. Unemployment benefits take a long time to process, despite online paperwork. Unemployment benefits are based on the average wage prior to application, while pensions have been debated. The difference in benefits raises questions about the government’s concern for ordinary workers.

"It reminded me of the match with APOEL"

"It reminded me of the match with APOEL"

The content of the text is a statement made by the coach of Apollon, Pablo Machin, after a draw with Pafos. The coach mentioned that they played very well and deserved to win. He also stated that they were superior in the first half and defended well in the second half. However, after missing a penalty, they did not react properly and ended up drawing the match. The coach compared the match to a previous game against APOEL where they also lost in the last minutes. He also mentioned that they made changes in the second half to refresh the players and assess the condition of those returning from injury. The coach further commented that Bruno Santos needs more time and they failed to exploit the spaces left by Pafos, making it difficult for them to defend in the ball recovery phase and resulting in conceding a goal.

Reckdal: "We chased them from behind… They deserved to win"

Reckdal: "We chased them from behind... They deserved to win"

The coach of Omonia, Chetil Rekdal, stated that they deserved to win the match against AEK. He mentioned that AEK was better in the first half and they faced pressure. Omonia had a good start and took the lead, but AEK scored in injury time for a 1-1 draw. Rekdal also acknowledged that AEK deserved to win and that they have work to do. He commented on their second consecutive derby defeat and mentioned the need to find the best position for each player and play like they did against Pafos. He also mentioned the need to change the system due to limited options.

Netanyahu says no Israeli pullout from Gaza until ‘total victory’ achieved

Hamas is considering a new ceasefire proposal in the war with Israel in Gaza, but Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said his forces will not withdraw until they achieve “total victory.” Israeli commandos disguised as medical workers and Muslim women killed three Palestinian militants in an undercover raid on a hospital in the occupied West Bank. Clashes between Israeli forces and Hamas fighters in Gaza have forced more Palestinian residents to flee to safer areas. The ceasefire proposal followed talks in Paris involving CIA Director William Burns, Qatar’s prime minister, the chief of Israel’s Mossad intelligence service, and the head of Egyptian intelligence. Netanyahu said Israel will not compromise on anything less than total victory, which means eliminating Hamas, returning all hostages, and ensuring that Gaza will no longer pose a threat to Israel. The raid on the hospital in the West Bank could fuel more intense unrest in the area. The war has created a humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with much of the area flattened and supplies of food, water, and medicine almost exhausted.

Forensic expert confirms Thanasis was strangled

Forensic expert confirms Thanasis was strangled

The forensic specialist from Greece testified that she is confident that Thanasis Nicolaou was strangled to death by a left-handed person. She based her findings on photographic evidence and the observation of severe traumatic injury to the hyoid bone. The specialist mentioned that fractures in that location are indicative of strangulation. She also pointed out specific bruising on Nicolaou’s neck, suggesting the assailant was left-handed. Another forensic pathologist raised concerns about a possible life-born injury but could not draw any conclusions. The case was reopened 16 years later after Nicolaou’s mother insisted he was murdered. The ECHR ruled that authorities had mishandled the investigation.

25-year-old arrested for throwing firecracker during Nea Salamina-APOEL match

25-year-old arrested for throwing firecracker during Nea Salamina-APOEL match

A 25-year-old has been arrested for throwing a firecracker at the Ammochostos Stadium, injuring a football player from Nea Salamina during a match against APOEL. The initially arrested 22-year-old was released after confirming he was not at the stadium. The brother of the 22-year-old is now a suspect but denies involvement. The injured player was taken to the hospital and diagnosed with a hearing impairment by a specialist.