Israeli Simon Mistriel Aykut, the director of Afik Group, a property developer in the north, will remain in custody for an additional six days, as decided by the Nicosia District Court on Thursday.Aykut, 73, who holds both Israeli and Portuguese passports, faces charges related to a €1 billion development project in Trikomo on Greek Cypriot … Read more
THE BIGGEST news story over last few days has been that it was very hot. As if anyone in Kyproulla had not felt the scorching heat and had to be informed about it by continuous reports and updates from the media.OK, it was the highest ever temperature recorded in early June, but what more is … Read more
Cabinet on Wednesday decided to revoke the Cypriot citizenship of Malaysian-born Jho Low, an internationally wanted fugitive.Though the decision was taken last year, Low filed an appeal prompting an independent committee to re-examine the case. Government sources told the Cyprus Mail the committee decided to reject the appeal, prompting the interior minister to put the … Read more
The complex terrorism case involving 41-year-old Orkhan Asadov, accused of recruiting and organizing criminal activities against Israelis in Nicosia, reached a critical point. The trial within a trial process concluded with final arguments from both sides, and the judicial panel reserved its decision for July 5. The defense attorneys argued that the Police accessed the defendants’ mobile phones unlawfully, while the prosecuting authority defended the legality of the procedures. The case began after Asadov’s arrest in September 2021, and he denies charges related to terrorism, conspiracy to commit murder, and money laundering.
A Greek Cypriot man appeared in court in the north for his part in a case involving third country nationals allegedly traveling to and from the north using fake passports. The police understood upon receiving the passport that it was counterfeit. The passenger ran off and re-entered the north via a military base. The Greek Cypriot man claimed he was approached at a petrol station and offered money to take the passenger to the Republic. The police found the hire car used in the incident in Trikomo and arrested both brothers who were in the car.
The far-right party ELAM has gained significant political space in Cyprus, attracting voters from various parties. This rise of the far-right is not just a Cypriot issue but a European and international phenomenon. The far-right thrives on crises and social inequalities, offering what seems like an attractive alternative to traditional parties. Despite some missteps, ELAM continues to influence public discussions and set the agenda, posing a potential nightmare for other parties and society as a whole. The focus should be on countering the far-right through effective policies and addressing pressing issues to prevent the normalization of fascism.
Cypriot authorities are revoking the citizenship of 68 investors and 165 dependents next week due to criminal offenses pending against them. Among those affected are individuals from China, Russia, and India. The decision to strip citizenship was made based on information provided by Interpol regarding various criminal charges, such as fraud and bribery, that carry significant prison sentences. The individuals have the right to appeal the decision with the Independent Authority on Citizenship Debarment.
Elam, an extreme right nationalist party in Cyprus, has become a central focus in the election campaign for the European Parliament. Opinion polls suggest that Elam could finish third in the elections, leading other parties to turn against it due to its links with Greece’s neo-fascist Golden Dawn party. Migration has emerged as a major political issue in the campaign, with Elam being known for its xenophobic rhetoric and anti-migrant stance. Other parties, such as Diko and Edek, have directed attacks at Elam in an attempt to prevent losing votes to the far-right party. Despite efforts from various parties to discredit Elam, they have inadvertently given the party free publicity.
Diko leader Nicholas Papadopoulos challenged Elam leader Christos Christou to a debate over the latter’s alleged proposal to give passports to immigrants so they leave the country. Elam’s only response to the challenge was that their positions had been distorted. Interior Minister Constantinos Ioannou condemned the idea, describing it as dangerous and unrealistic.
– The opposition proceedings in the case brought against auditor-general Odysseas Michaelides by attorney-general George Savvides were filed by Odysseas’ team of lawyers.
– The opposition is based on two points: the application of the AG to the constitutional council is groundless and the AG does not have the authority to seek the sacking of an independent state official.
– Odysseas’ camp is applying pressure on the president to publicly side with him.
– The head of the anti-corruption authority demanded criminal charges against the drug squad chief, possibly linked to the Odysseas-Savvides clash.
– Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah urged Syrians to head for Cyprus and Europe to pressure Brussels to give Lebanon more funds for Syrian refugees.
– Parents were upset over the difficulty of questions in modern Greek exams for secondary school students.
– State hospital nursing unions are threatening industrial action if more nurses are not hired.
– The president announced the decision to appoint two criminal investigators before the cabinet approved it.