Migrants living in buffer zone reach 27, as more arrive
Fourteen migrants have arrived in the buffer zone, bringing the total number of people stuck there to 27.
Cyprus police
From Akamas to vultures, a simple public warning
The need for civil society organizations to act as environmental watchdogs remains urgent, as recent revelations have shown violations of environmental conditions in the Akamas area. The scandal involved roadworks that ignored environmental conditions, and the Forestry Department was supposed to oversee the project. The Water Development Department had warned about violations a year before environmental NGOs raised the alarm. Additionally, efforts are being made to protect Griffon vultures from extinction, with poison baits and power line collisions being major threats. Despite efforts to persuade the Electricity Authority to make infrastructure safer, losses of vultures and eagles continue due to collisions and electrocutions.
Cyprus deports migrants in joint operation with FRONTEX
Cypriot authorities, along with Greece and FRONTEX, conducted a forced return flight for migrants residing illegally in Cyprus on May 21. This was the seventh joint operation for deporting third-country nationals in 2024. A total of 4,491 individuals have been repatriated from Cyprus as of May 21, showing a significant increase from the 3,489 repatriations during the same period in 2023.
Weapons found in Oroklini grave not part of National Guard inventory
The G3 rifle seized from a criminal group in Oroklini is not part of the National Guard’s inventory, indicating it may have originated from the Turkish military. The specific features of the rifle match those used by the Turkish military, as the German manufacturer Heckler & Koch licensed G3 rifle production to Turkey. Police arrested two men and seized a large cache of weapons, explosives, and ammunition, leading authorities to believe the group may have been planning criminal acts. Both suspects are in police custody, and all recovered items will undergo forensic examination.
Cyprus contributes to busting EU cryptocurrency scam
Fact: Cyprus played a crucial role in busting an Austrian cryptocurrency scam that resulted in six arrests across three EU countries.
Agios Sylas wildfire ‘out of control,’ Fire Service says [PHOTOS+VIDEO]
![Agios Sylas wildfire ‘out of control,’ Fire Service says [PHOTOS+VIDEO]](https://ch.jfdi.cc/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/agios-sylas-wildfire-out-of-control-fire-service-says-photosvideo.jpg)
A wildfire is burning near factories in the Agios Sylas industrial area in Limassol, prompting evacuations and a large-scale firefighting response. Firefighters are working to protect the industrial zone, with assistance from neighbouring regions, aircraft, and the Civil Defence.
Cyprus police warns against fake emails
The police warn the public about fake email messages pretending to be from the Cyprus Police. The messages claim recipients are involved in criminal offenses and urge them to respond. The police advise adjusting email settings to mark these messages as spam and not to engage with them.
Police car torched after authorities clash with youths on Holy Saturday
Police in Limassol clashed with a group of roughly 100 youths on Holy Saturday night, using chemical dispersants to break up an attack involving Molotov cocktails, fireworks, and stones. The incident occurred on Ypsonas to Erimi road, where masked youths targeted vehicles. One police vehicle was destroyed, four others damaged, and two bottles of flammable liquid were found as evidence. The Cyprus Police Association condemned the attack and promised a strong response. Earlier that day, an 18-year-old was arrested with 1,807 firecrackers during a traffic stop.
Limassol protest: Detainees speak of police verbal and physical abuse
Ten individuals arrested at a Limassol demonstration speak of an unprovoked police attack, horrible detention conditions, and abuse by the police. They were arrested following scuffles between protesters and police officers demanding a fair investigation into the death of Bangladeshi immigrant Anisur Rahman. Protestors and lawyers dispute the police’s account, describing the clash as an “unprovoked attack” and accusing the police of abuse.
Russia-US judicial thriller in Cyprus
A legal battle over the extradition of businessman Artur Petrov, who is accused by the US of supplying microelectronic components for Russia’s military invasion of Ukraine, has been ongoing in Cyprus since last August. The Court of Appeal recently overturned a decision blocking his extradition, leading to a potential appeal to the Supreme Court. This case has political dimensions and international implications, with Russian news agency TASS closely following the developments.