police presence

Georgian parliament passes ‘foreign agent’ bill amid protests

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Georgian parliament passes ‘foreign agent’ bill amid protests

Georgia’s parliament passed a “foreign agents” bill in its final reading, which now goes to President Salome Zourabichvili for approval. The bill requires organizations receiving over 20% of their funding from abroad to register as foreign agents. Critics have compared the bill to Russian legislation and have called for further protests. The European Union has warned that the bill could hinder Georgia’s integration with the bloc. Despite opposition, the ruling party in Georgia insists that the bill is necessary for transparency and to combat foreign influence.

Controversy arises over school CCTV installation selection

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Controversy arises over school CCTV installation selection

The Ministry of Education is installing CCTV systems in certain secondary schools to address misconduct, sparking debate within the education community. The pilot initiative involves ten schools, with OELMEK expressing concerns about the selection criteria for the program. OELMEK argues that schools frequently targeted by delinquents should be prioritized over those classified as “high-risk” by the Ministry. The controversy led to OELMEK seeking clarification from the Deputy Director of Secondary Education and suggesting alternative language for the operation of the CCTV systems. Deputy Director Theofilou clarified that the initiative is in its pilot phase, with plans to expand to 50 schools in the future. This debate highlights differing perspectives on school security prioritization and the importance of transparency in decision-making processes.

Greece through to Eurovision Grand Final

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Greece through to Eurovision Grand Final

Marina Satti from Greece advanced to the Eurovision Grand Final with her song “ZARI” after a captivating performance.

Second arrest made over torching of police car

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Second arrest made over torching of police car

Fact: A second arrest was made in connection with the torching of a police car in Limassol on Easter Saturday night.

The brutality of Easter

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The brutality of Easter

Violent Easter traditions such as re-enactments of the crucifixion and resurrection, bonfires, and firecrackers have led to incidents of vandalism, riots, and injuries during the holiday. Despite increased police presence, youths were involved in throwing Molotov cocktails, firecrackers, and stones at authorities, damaging property, and causing chaos in various areas. The use of firecrackers and fireworks by individuals, including parents with children in the car, has raised concerns about societal violence spilling over into other areas.

Limassol protest: Detainees speak of police verbal and physical abuse

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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.

Nicosia protest demands end to second-class status for migrants

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Nicosia protest demands end to second-class status for migrants

Fact: Hundreds of people took to the streets of Nicosia in a peaceful demonstration for equal rights covering all migrants living in Cyprus.

Sydney attacker had mental health issues, ideology not motive

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Sydney attacker had mental health issues, ideology not motive

The man who fatally stabbed six people in Sydney had mental health issues in the past and there is no indication ideology was a motive in the attack.

Our View: Police action plan should not inconvenience law-abiding citizens

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Our View: Police action plan should not inconvenience law-abiding citizens

The police command has implemented an action plan to prevent and eliminate serious and organized crime. The plan includes daily car patrols in all districts during late night and early hours, with a total of 188 officers involved. The main objective is to impose law and order through a heavy police presence.