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Audit and Legal Services preparing for war

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Audit and Legal Services preparing for war

The audit office is prepared to deal with any steps aimed at removing Auditor General Odysseas Michaelides from his post. Michaelides is privately paying for legal services from the law office of Christos Clerides, George Triantafyllides, and Pambos Ioannides. President Nikos Christodoulides described the situation as not pleasant and urged collaboration between independent institutions based on the constitution. The legal service and audit office chiefs can only be removed through a Supreme Court decision or if they voluntarily resign.

Cyprus rights record shows concerns, US report finds

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Cyprus rights record shows concerns, US report finds

The US State Department’s annual report on human rights in Cyprus highlights concerns in both the Republic of Cyprus and the occupied areas. In the Republic of Cyprus, issues include interference with NGOs, refoulement of asylum seekers, and violence against minorities. While the government has taken steps to address abuses, instances of impunity remain. The occupied areas face harsh prison conditions, restrictions on media and assembly, and widespread corruption and impunity. The report also notes that elections in the Republic of Cyprus are considered free and fair, and freedom of expression for the media is generally respected.

TurboTax Maker Puts a Pink Spin on Exploitative Financial Products

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TurboTax Maker Puts a Pink Spin on Exploitative Financial Products

Intuit, the maker of TurboTax, recently launched a campaign branding itself as a feminist company.

Auditor-general reports latest legal service spat to EU Commission (Update 2)

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Auditor-general reports latest legal service spat to EU Commission (Update 2)

Fact: The Audit Office reported the Legal Service to the European Commission and the International Organisation of Supreme Audit Institutions (Intosai) due to allegations of threats, revenge, and efforts to remove the auditor general from his post.

UK judge dismisses case against climate activist who held up sign outside trial

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UK judge dismisses case against climate activist who held up sign outside trial

A judge in London ruled that a climate activist should not be prosecuted for holding a placard outside a criminal court telling jurors they could acquit defendants according to their conscience. Judge Pushpinder Saini dismissed the case, stating that criminal prosecution was a disproportionate approach that interfered with the activist’s right to freedom of expression. Warner displayed the sign to inform jurors of their rights and to challenge judges who she believed were acting unlawfully. The attempted prosecution of Warner is part of a wider crackdown on protest movements in Britain and Europe, particularly in relation to environmental activism and climate change protests.

Dutch zoo creates coral ‘Noah’s Ark’ to preserve endangered reefs

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Dutch zoo creates coral ‘Noah’s Ark’ to preserve endangered reefs

Divers at a Netherlands zoo are creating a “Noah’s Ark” of coral to preserve endangered species. The project aims to build reserve populations in aquaria to protect corals threatened by climate change, overfishing, and pollution. The slow growth rates of corals mean it will take years before they can be reintroduced to the wild. The zoo is working with other institutions on this conservation effort, hoping more zoos will join in.

Turkey’s Erdogan in Iraq to push for reset of ties, cooperation against PKK

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Turkey’s Erdogan in Iraq to push for reset of ties, cooperation against PKK

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan visited Iraq to improve relations and discuss deals on energy, trade, and security cooperation against Kurdish PKK militants. Erdogan emphasized Turkey’s expectations for Iraq to help in the battle against the PKK. Cooperation on economic projects and securing water from the Tigris and Euphrates rivers were also discussed. Bilateral trade between Turkey and Iraq was worth .9 billion in 2023. Erdogan also planned to meet with Iraqi Kurdish officials during his visit.

Israel: “Netanyahu resign, elections now” – Wave of anger and mass protests

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Israel: “Netanyahu resign, elections now” – Wave of anger and mass protests

Thousands of people in various Israeli cities protested for the dismissal of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the release of hostages held by Hamas. Participants demanded early elections and showed support for the hostages, with some carrying Israeli flags and signs calling for their safe return. Opposition leaders like Yair Lapid and Dan Halutz joined the demonstrations, criticizing Netanyahu’s government and accusing him of prioritizing his rule over the hostages’ return.

Workers living in fear of being deported

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Workers living in fear of being deported

Fact: A young Bangladesian man who was recently deported from Cyprus had good English and basic Greek skills and had been gainfully employed for years.

Ino Afentouli: Cyprus’ solidarity towards Israel should not stop

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Ino Afentouli: Cyprus’ solidarity towards Israel should not stop

Last week, the world saw Iran’s attack on Israel amidst ongoing tensions in the Gaza Strip, highlighting the thin line between tension and conflict in the Middle East. Ino Afentouli, from Panteion University, emphasized that a regional conflict involving Iran and Israel would have adverse consequences for Cyprus and Greece. The conflict has halted economic cooperation and development plans in the region. Afentouli also mentioned that Cyprus could face increased migrant flows similar to those seen during the war in Syria. She emphasized the importance of solidarity with Israel for Cyprus and Greece, despite supporting the rights of the Palestinian people. The conflict could have significant impacts on Europe’s security and stability.