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Unficyp , ‘continues to injustice Turkish Cypriot people’

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Unficyp , ‘continues to injustice Turkish Cypriot people’

The Turkish Cypriot leader, Ersin Tatar, criticized the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (Unficyp) for allegedly being biased against the Turkish Cypriot people and acting under the influence of the Greek Cypriots. He mentioned that construction on a road through the buffer zone between Pyla and Arsos was halted due to the influence of Greece. Tatar also demanded that Unficyp sign a Status of Forces agreement with the authorities in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) to operate there.

Govt given until 2026 to open juvenile detention centre

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Govt given until 2026 to open juvenile detention centre

The government of Cyprus has been given a deadline until the beginning of 2026 to open a juvenile detention center, as mandated by the House legal affairs committee. The committee chairman, Nikos Tornaritis, expressed dissatisfaction with the current progress and announced that young offenders would remain in a separate area of the central prison until the end of 2025. Tornaritis also highlighted the need to consider relocating the central prison away from residential areas and to build modern facilities, noting the prison’s current overcapacity and its implications for human rights. Additionally, discussions have taken place regarding the construction of new District courts in Nicosia, with a positive agreement from the government to proceed immediately.

Report on Akamas roadworks expected , ‘within days’

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Report on Akamas roadworks expected , ‘within days’

A report on the construction work on roads in the Akamas region is expected to be completed soon, with Agriculture Minister Maria Panayiotou indicating it will be submitted to the cabinet by mid-March at the latest. Construction in the area was temporarily halted since November due to environmental concerns and allegations of deviation from the agreed parameters. The National Akamas Forest Plan, allowing construction in certain areas, was initiated in September but faced opposition from environmental groups for violating conditions of the plan. President Nikos Christodoulides expressed annoyance at the deviation from the agreed plans. Contractor Cyfield halted all construction works until issues were resolved. The House environment committee criticized the government’s handling of the situation. Petitions have been filed at the European Parliament’s petitions committee, requesting measures to protect the area’s biodiversity.

Taxi driver arrested carrying a gun

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Taxi driver arrested carrying a gun

A Turkish taxi driver, suspected of selling weapons in the south, was arrested by police in Famagusta after being found with a pistol in his car’s glove compartment. The 34-year-old, married to a Turkish Cypriot and frequently traveling to the south for work, was stopped and searched at the Deryneia checkpoint. He faces charges for illegal possession and transportation of a firearm and is expected to appear before the District Court of Famagusta in Paralimni. Police are investigating to identify the intended recipient of the weapon, with the suspect reportedly uncooperative.

International short film festival arrives in Paphos

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International short film festival arrives in Paphos

A Greek short film festival, aimed at showcasing young filmmakers, will screen its award-winning films in Cyprus, starting with Paphos. This leading festival of short drama films occurs every September and is presented globally. It is organized by the Department of Contemporary Culture of the Deputy Ministry of Culture, Rialto Theater, Drama Festival, Nicosia Cinema Friends Association, Larnaca Cinema Club, Paphos House of Arts and Letters, and Limassol Cinema Club. Screenings in Paphos are scheduled for Monday and Wednesday at 7.30pm at the House of Arts and Letters.

Two teen drivers caught in Paphos

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Two teen drivers caught in Paphos

Police in Paphos caught two underage drivers on Sunday. The first was a 17-year-old driving without a license and without third-party insurance, caught for speeding at 8.30pm. The second case involved a 15-year-old. Additionally, a driver was stopped for a check on Tombs of the Kings avenue and tested preliminary positive for drugs. Over the last three days, 175 drivers were reported for various traffic complaints in Paphos, including 20 for driving under the influence of alcohol and three for driving under the influence of drugs.

Donkey run over by ambulance

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Donkey run over by ambulance

A donkey was run over by an ambulance near Rizokarpaso on Saturday night. The ambulance, carrying a patient from the Rizokarpaso health centre to the Famagusta state hospital, collided with one of the donkeys that entered the road. Neither the ambulance’s driver, 51-year-old Hosrof Tanisman, the patient, nor the donkey were injured. The donkey ran away from the scene.

New Larnaca park unveiled

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New Larnaca park unveiled

Larnaca’s Mediterranean Artists’ Park, aimed at hosting outdoor art installations and cultural events, was recently introduced by the Larnaca municipality. Located in the Turkish Cypriot neighbourhood of Scala, near Piale Pasha, the park is part of an area known for its art workshops and has undergone facade restoration and improvement. The project, costing €994,440, received funding from both the European Union and the government.

Ayia Napa gang rape trial: British woman testifies

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Ayia Napa gang rape trial: British woman testifies

A British woman, who was 20 years old at the time, reported that she was gang-raped by five Israeli men, aged between 19 and 20, while on holiday in Ayia Napa last year. The incident led to a trial at Famagusta criminal court, where the woman testified behind closed doors from Tuesday to Friday. The defendants, all from Majd al-Krum, are facing charges of rape and sexual assault. DNA evidence for two of the defendants was dismissed, affecting the trial’s reliance on witness statements. All five defendants are currently in custody.