witness

Gunmen kill at least 40 in attack at concert hall near Moscow

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Gunmen kill at least 40 in attack at concert hall near Moscow

At least 40 people were killed and more than 100 injured in an attack by five gunmen at a concert in Crocus City Hall near Moscow. The gunmen, dressed in camouflage and armed with automatic weapons, opened fire on the crowd. There was also a report of a second blast at the venue. The attack occurred during a concert by the band “Picnic.” The incident took place shortly after President Vladimir Putin was re-elected and amidst Russia’s conflict with Ukraine. The Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) confirmed the casualties and stated that all necessary measures were being taken. The identity of the gunmen was not immediately clear. In response to the attack, security was tightened across Moscow. Russia’s foreign ministry described the incident as a “bloody terrorist attack” and emphasized the need for global condemnation. The U.S. embassy in Russia had previously warned of an imminent extremist attack in Moscow.

Private education: rushing to meet growing demand

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Private education: rushing to meet growing demand

English language schools in Cyprus are experiencing significant growth due to the influx of foreign companies and the arrival of families from regions experiencing conflict, such as Israel and Ukraine. This surge in demand has led to expansions and new school openings across the island, particularly in Limassol, which has seen a notable increase in students due to the Russian presence prior to the Ukrainian conflict. Both local and international families are seeking high-quality education with English as the medium of instruction, influenced by factors such as Cyprus’s EU membership, remote work opportunities, and regional conflicts. However, this growth is challenged by regulations on class sizes, bureaucratic delays, and difficulties in recruiting staff and obtaining work permits for prospective employees. Despite these challenges, the commitment to education remains strong among Cypriot families, who are willing to make financial sacrifices for their children’s education, viewing it as a crucial investment.

Hunting leaves countryside littered with shotgun shells

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Hunting leaves countryside littered with shotgun shells

The text describes the environmental issue of littering in the hills of Lythrodontas, particularly with spent shotgun shells left behind by hunters. This littering has transformed the area, once known for peaceful picnics and scenic routes, into a landscape resembling a discarded shooting range, affecting both the environment and the experience of visitors such as bikers. The text calls for hunters to adopt responsible practices by cleaning up after themselves to restore the natural beauty of the area.

Limassol street art celebrates Cyprus nature

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Limassol street art celebrates Cyprus nature

Italian artist Francesco Camillo Giorgino, known as Millo, is creating eight large-scale murals in Limassol, Cyprus, as part of the Art Square project. These murals, which are being painted on buildings under construction, aim to become a new landmark for Limassol and contribute to the city’s bid to become the European Capital of Culture 2030. The murals, which depict the beauty of Cyprus’s nature and its people, are expected to be completed by April 6. This project marks Millo’s third in Cyprus, following previous works in Yeroskipou in 2022 and Paphos in 2017. Millo’s work is characterized by bright colors, black and white line drawings, and large faces, and can be found worldwide, including in permanent museum collections.

Parties demand probe into ELAM’s Saint Habakkuk scandal connection

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Parties demand probe into ELAM’s Saint Habakkuk scandal connection

The president of ELAM, Christos Christou, was present at the Tamasos Bishopric during the transfer and counting of money from the safe of Saint Habakkuk, causing reactions from political parties. DISY, AKEL, DIKO, EDEK, DIPA, and the Greens are demanding explanations, with AKEL addressing the issue in the House of Representatives. Christou claims his presence was as an enthroned commissioner appointed by bishop Isaiah and criticizes AKEL’s stance towards the Church. Political parties have various reactions, with some denouncing ELAM and others calling for a thorough investigation into the events at Saint Habakkuk and the involvement of Christou. DIKO’s president, Nikolas Papadopoulos, emphasizes the need for investigation by competent authorities and raises questions about Christou’s presence and ELAM’s connections. EDEK suggests involving the Attorney General and lifting Christou’s parliamentary immunity, while DIPA emphasizes the importance of separating Church and State. The Greens suggest investigating Christou’s involvement in relation to the MPs’ code of ethics.

Church and State have different roles in monastery scandal, Christodoulides says

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Church and State have different roles in monastery scandal, Christodoulides says

President Nikos Christodoulides stated that all necessary actions are being taken in response to the scandal involving the Osios Avakoum monastery. He emphasized the separate roles of the Church and the State, indicating that he does not plan to meet with the Archbishop to discuss the situation. The case is under investigation by the appropriate authorities. Additionally, it was revealed that Elam head Christos Christou and former police chief Kypros Michaelides were present at the Tamasos bishopric during the counting of €800,000 from the monastery in Fterikoudi. Michaelides, a member of the church committee, is expected to testify as a witness for Bishop Isaias in the police investigation into the alleged extortion.

Elam and former police chief linked to monastery scandal

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Elam and former police chief linked to monastery scandal

The ecclesiastical court is set to investigate scandals involving cash, sex, and a miracles’ scam at the Osios Avakoum monastery. Allegations have emerged that an ex-police chief and the president of the far-right party Elam were present at related events. Elam head Christos Christou and former police chief Kypros Michaelides were at the Tamasos bishopric on March 5, the day a safe containing €800,000 was seized. Michaelides, part of the church committee, is expected to testify for Bishop Isaias. Christou confirmed his presence, stating he was there as an observer in his capacity as throne commissioner of the bishopric, not as Elam president. Police confirmed that two of their members were present on March 5 for security reasons.