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Category: News

  • Central prison — Justice Minister to Inspect Central Prison Following EU Concerns

    Central prison — Justice Minister to Inspect Central Prison Following EU Concerns

    The Justice Minister’s upcoming visit to the central prison follows serious concerns raised in a recent EU report regarding the facility’s conditions.

    • The Justice Minister's upcoming visit to the central prison follows serious concerns raised in a recent EU report regarding the facility's conditions.

    Central prison: Justice Minister’s Commitment to Prison Oversight

    Justice Minister Costas Fitiris announced on Wednesday that he will visit the central prison on Thursday. His aim is to gather comprehensive information regarding the various issues that plague the facility. Fitiris stated, “I am here to obtain general information on all issues concerning the prison,” highlighting his intention to improve the existing situation.

    EU Report Highlights Grave Concerns

    The Council of Europe’s committee for the prevention of torture issued a report that outlined numerous alarming conditions within the central prison. Among its findings were significant failures by prison staff to ensure the safety of inmates. The report identified a chronic shortage of frontline officers as a critical factor contributing to the deterioration of safety and order.

    Inter-Prisoner Violence and Overcrowding Issues

    The committee’s report expressed grave concerns about high levels of inter-prisoner violence, stating that the staff shortage allowed groups of prisoners to dominate and impose informal punishments. The situation has been exacerbated by extreme overcrowding, with cells accommodating up to four inmates in spaces smaller than six square metres. This lack of personal space has led to dire sanitary conditions, with reports indicating that some prisoners have had to urinate in bottles and defecate in bags due to insufficient access to sanitation facilities.

    Prison Guards Union Voices Alarm

    The prison guards branch of the Pasydy union has echoed the concerns raised in the EU report, declaring that conditions at the central prison have “exceeded all limits of endurance and tolerance.” The union emphasised that the state could no longer afford to remain silent on the matter. They warned of an “explosive security crisis” that poses risks to both inmates and prison staff.

    Violence and Criminal Activity Within the Facility

    Recent incidents have underscored the urgency of the situation. On Sunday, a 35-year-old inmate was murdered within the prison, leading to the arrest of a fellow inmate on suspicion of premeditated murder. Furthermore, a 30-year-old convict in custody is being investigated for potential involvement in the murder of Limassol businessman Stavros Demosthenous, which occurred in October.

    Allegations of Sexual Assault and Negligence

    In September, a prisoner reported that he was repeatedly raped by fellow inmates, accusing the prison authorities of failing to act on early warnings and covering up the criminal acts. This incident has raised serious questions about the effectiveness of the prison administration in protecting inmates from violence and abuse.

    Union Calls for Fundamental Changes

    The Pasydy union has articulated that the current climate within the prison system is intolerable. They argued that assigning policing roles to prison staff would compromise their safety and hinder the trust needed for successful rehabilitation programmes. The union concluded that the only viable solution is the construction of a new prison facility, one that adheres to European standards for security, living, and working conditions.

    Decades of Neglect and the Urgency for Reform

    Decades of decay in the prison infrastructure have left staff carrying out their duties in conditions that fail to meet even basic safety standards. The union’s position is clear: without significant changes, both inmates and staff are at risk of becoming victims of the violence that permeates the prison environment.

    Looking Ahead: Minister’s Visit as a Catalyst for Change

    As Justice Minister Costas Fitiris prepares for his visit, there is cautious hope that his engagement with the prison system will lead to meaningful reforms. The spotlight on the central prison, intensified by the EU report and ongoing incidents, may finally prompt the necessary actions to address the critical issues that have long been ignored.

  • Missing sailboat — Four Israelis Rescued After Missing Sailboat Found Between Cyprus and Israel

    Missing sailboat — Four Israelis Rescued After Missing Sailboat Found Between Cyprus and Israel

    missing sailboat — missing sailboat — Four Israeli nationals have been safely located after their sailboat was reported missing in the waters between Cyprus and Israel. This successful rescue concludes a significant search and rescue operation that began when the vessel, which had set sail from Israel on 2 December, failed to arrive in Crete as planned.

    The Cyprus Joint Search and Rescue Coordination Centre (JRCC) played a pivotal role in the search, coordinating efforts throughout the day. The JRCC activated the national ‘Nearchos’ search and rescue plan, which involved collaboration with both Greek and Israeli authorities. Cypriot air assets were mobilised to aid in the search, along with assistance from nearby commercial vessels that were in the area.

    According to the Israeli Foreign Ministry, officials worked closely with their counterparts in Greece and Cyprus to locate the missing sailors, highlighting the importance of international cooperation in maritime emergencies. The vessel was located successfully today, bringing relief to the families of those onboard.

    As the situation unfolded, concerns arose regarding the circumstances under which the sailboat departed from Israel. An investigation has been ordered to examine why the vessel was permitted to leave, especially given the weather warnings that were in effect at the time, signalling a storm system approaching the region.

    This rescue operation demonstrates the commitment of authorities in Cyprus and Israel to ensure the safety of their citizens at sea, and the swift response from multiple agencies played a crucial role in bringing this incident to a positive conclusion.

  • Cyprus Dodges Cancer Gene Scandal Linked to Sperm Donor of 197 Children

    Cyprus Dodges Cancer Gene Scandal Linked to Sperm Donor of 197 Children

    cancer gene — A sperm donor whose genetic mutation has condemned at least 197 children across Europe to a 90% chance of developing cancer fathered no children in Cyprus, the Health Ministry has confirmed.

    • A sperm donor whose genetic mutation has condemned at least 197 children across Europe to a 90% chance of developing cancer fathered no children in Cyprus, the Health Ministry has confirmed.

    The anonymous Danish donor, who was paid for his sperm while studying, unknowingly carried a defect in the TP53 gene. This mutation disables the body’s primary defence against cancer, resulting in a severe condition known as Li Fraumeni syndrome. This syndrome dramatically increases the risk of various cancers, particularly in childhood. Some children conceived from his sperm have already died, while others have been diagnosed with two different types of cancer.

    Cancer gene: Strict Regulations Shield Cyprus

    Cyprus managed to avoid the fallout associated with this case due to strict national laws that limit each donor’s sperm to a single family. The Health Ministry confirmed that although the donor’s sperm reached the island, no children were conceived from it. This was clarified following an investigation launched last spring, which began when the first 67 affected children were identified.

    Rising Numbers and Alarming Findings

    A recent BBC investigation revealed that the number of affected children has nearly tripled to at least 197, with the final count likely to be higher as data from several countries remains uncollected. Dr Edwige Kasper, a cancer geneticist at Rouen University Hospital in France, expressed concern over the situation, stating, “We have many children who have already developed cancer. We have some children who have already presented with two different cancers and some have already died at a very young age.”

    Genetic Mutation and Its Consequences

    The mutation affects the TP53 gene, which is crucial for preventing cells from becoming cancerous. Up to 20% of the donor’s sperm carried this dangerous variant. Any child conceived using affected sperm inherits the mutation in every cell of their body, leading to a significantly heightened cancer risk throughout their lives.

    Despite the serious implications of this mutation, the donor himself and his family were reported to be healthy, having passed all necessary screening tests. The European Sperm Bank acknowledged that such mutations are not typically detected during preventive genetic testing, which raises questions about the safety protocols in place.

    Failures in Monitoring Sperm Donor

    In a troubling turn of events, the European Sperm Bank temporarily blocked the donor in April 2020 after a child conceived from his sperm developed cancer. However, subsequent tests declared the result negative, leading to his re-approval. It was only in October 2023, after further analysis, that he was permanently blocked from donating. For 18 months following the first cancer diagnosis, his sperm remained available for use.

    A Growing Concern Across Europe

    The case first emerged publicly in June 2022 when Belgian newspaper Le Soir revealed that 52 children had been conceived using the donor’s sperm in Belgium alone between 2008 and 2017. An investigation by The Guardian then uncovered that a total of 67 children across Europe were affected, with many conceived through assisted reproduction in Belgium. The Belgian Health Ministry alerted other European nations, including Cyprus, about the potential risks.

    The Health Ministry’s Medically Assisted Reproduction Council has been monitoring the situation since the initial reports, and based on current data, no immediate concerns have been identified for Cyprus. However, the ongoing situation serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of rigorous screening and monitoring of sperm donors to prevent similar incidents in the future.

  • Storm byron: Severe Weather System Byron Urges Travel Restrictions in Ayia Napa and Paralimni

    Storm byron: Severe Weather System Byron Urges Travel Restrictions in Ayia Napa and Paralimni

    storm byron — As storm Byron approaches, municipal authorities in Ayia Napa and Paralimni are advising residents to limit unnecessary travel. The Department of Meteorology has issued an Orange Warning, signalling that severe weather is imminent.

    The adverse conditions are predicted to impact the eastern parts of the island starting just after midnight on Tuesday, 9 December 2025. With forecasts indicating a peak in hazardous weather from Tuesday night until the early hours of Wednesday, 10 December, residents are being urged to take precautions.

    Authorities have expressed concern over the potential risks to both the road network and local infrastructure, which could be exacerbated by the storm. The Paralimni-Dherynia Municipality has highlighted the importance of exercising caution, particularly in areas prone to water accumulation and where visibility may be significantly reduced.

    In a similar vein, the Ayia Napa Municipality has echoed these warnings, advising individuals to avoid non-essential travel both within and beyond the city limits. Local officials are on high alert, ensuring that public services remain prepared to respond swiftly to any incidents that may arise as a result of the storm.

    Residents and visitors alike are encouraged to stay informed about the latest weather updates and to take all necessary self-protection measures. With the storm set to hit overnight, the focus remains on ensuring safety and minimising risk during this challenging weather event.

  • Paphos rainfall: Paphos Experiences Record Daily Rainfall Amid Storm Byron

    Paphos rainfall: Paphos Experiences Record Daily Rainfall Amid Storm Byron

    paphos rainfall — paphos rainfall — Paphos has experienced its highest daily rainfall in over a century, with 113.11mm recorded during the recent weather event attributed to storm Byron. According to the meteorological department, this figure marks the most significant rainfall since records began in 1916.

    The torrential downpour occurred over the weekend, as the island faced the effects of a barometric low that brought intense weather conditions. The Polis Chrysochous weather station reported that the average rainfall for December in the area is typically around 99.8mm, based on historical data spanning three decades from 1961 to 1990.

    Further highlighting the impact of storm Byron, the Kathikas station in Paphos registered 67.1mm of rain, making it the third-highest daily rainfall recorded for December since 1977. Only 2001 and 2008 experienced greater rainfalls of 99.7mm and 74.5mm, respectively.

    Across the Paphos district, several weather stations reported varying levels of rainfall, with totals between 15mm and 57mm during the storm. As the rain continued, the met department noted that from December 5 to 7, the highest amounts were concentrated in the western and southwestern regions, along with higher mountainous areas. The average rainfall for this three-day period reached 35.1mm.

    The dramatic weather has drawn attention not only for its intensity but also for its rarity, prompting discussions about climate patterns and the potential for more unusual weather events in the future. Residents and officials alike are now contemplating the implications of such extremes on local infrastructure and the environment.

  • Affordable homes — State to Build 500 New Affordable Homes Across Major Cities

    Affordable homes — State to Build 500 New Affordable Homes Across Major Cities

    affordable homes — The state is set to develop 500 new affordable homes to meet the growing housing demand, as President Nikos Christodoulides announced on Tuesday. This initiative aims to provide rental and sale options in Nicosia, Larnaca, Limassol, and Paphos.

    Photo: cyprus-mail.com

    • More details about the project and its timeline will be released in the coming months as the state moves forward with its plans.

    President Christodoulides emphasised the importance of this measure, stating, “This is an important measure that will help to ease the pressure caused by rising housing demand and will significantly contribute to reducing housing costs. It is a plan long requested by social partners and developed in cooperation with them.”

    The new housing units will be priced affordably, with a primary focus on young people looking to enter the property market. This demographic has been particularly affected by the rising costs associated with housing.

    With construction costs estimated at around €70 million, the project will involve using state-owned land valued at over €7 million. The government intends to offer these plots to the private sector through a tender process, ensuring that the construction is carried out efficiently.

    President Christodoulides also highlighted that the rental units will remain under state ownership, which will help maintain affordability in the long term. He noted, “In total, the current government’s investment in housing policy so far exceeds €300 million.” This investment reflects the government’s commitment to addressing the housing crisis and supporting citizens in their quest for affordable living options.

    More details about the project and its timeline will be released in the coming months as the state moves forward with its plans.

  • Chevron’s Commitment Boosts Cyprus’ Energy Prospects

    Chevron’s Commitment Boosts Cyprus’ Energy Prospects

    The presence of Chevron in Cyprus’ maritime exclusive economic zone (EEZ) is viewed as a significant vote of confidence in the energy potential of Cyprus and Europe. This assertion was made by President Nikos Christodoulides during a recent meeting with Javier La Rosa, head of Chevron’s base assets and emerging countries organisation.

    At the presidential palace, Christodoulides expressed appreciation for Chevron’s involvement, highlighting its importance not just for Cyprus but also for the broader European energy landscape. “We appreciate your presence. It is a strong vote of confidence, not only for us, but also for Europe and the possibility of the region developing as an alternative source of energy for Europe,” he stated.

    The discussions between the two leaders came amid notable developments in the energy sector since their last meeting in New York in September. Christodoulides emphasised the urgency of completing pending agreements with Egypt, particularly concerning the Aphrodite gas field, to expedite its utilisation.

    Chevron is a key player in the agreement established between Cyprus and Egypt, which lays the groundwork for the commercialisation of gas from the Aphrodite gas field, located in Block 12 of Cyprus’ EEZ. This agreement is pivotal for facilitating the export of natural gas from Cyprus to Europe.

    In a recent update, Cyprus’ former energy minister, George Papanastasiou, revealed that a techno-economic study on Block 12 is underway, with expectations for completion by the end of next year. This study is critical, as it will inform the final investment decision regarding the transport of gas to the Segas liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal in Damietta, Egypt.

    Seabed surveys commenced in June, aiming to identify a suitable location for the pipeline that will transport natural gas from Cyprus to Egypt. The initial objective is to facilitate the export of natural gas from the Aphrodite gas field to the Egyptian port city of Damietta.

    In a significant development, members of the Egyptian government visited Nicosia in September, announcing plans for the export of Cypriot natural gas to Europe via Egypt by 2027. This timeline reflects the growing collaboration between the two nations in leveraging their energy resources.

    Furthermore, natural gas from Block 6 of Cyprus’ EEZ, which includes the Kronos gas field, is also set to be transported to Damietta. The Egyptian government was designated as the host government for Block 6 in February, reinforcing its role in this energy partnership.

    Papanastasiou previously noted that the agreements for Blocks 6 and 12 comprehensively address the entire supply chain, from liquefaction in Damietta to the eventual export of LNG to European markets.

    Expressing optimism about the cooperation between Cyprus and Egypt, Egyptian Petroleum Minister Karim Badawi stated in September, “Our cooperation in the energy sector with the Republic of Cyprus is very important and is expanding daily. We are here to support the Republic of Cyprus in the full development of its energy reserves, so that it can exploit them and make them available to its citizens and to European markets which need energy.”

  • Perseas military: Cyprus Hosts Perseas-2025 Military Exercise with Regional Forces

    Perseas military: Cyprus Hosts Perseas-2025 Military Exercise with Regional Forces

    perseas military — perseas military — The multinational “Perseas-2025” military drill has successfully brought together forces from Cyprus, Greece, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia. Conducted between November 30 and December 5, this significant exercise involved personnel from the National Guard alongside units from the participating nations, all operating across various firing ranges in Cyprus.

    Photo: cyprus-mail.com

    The Cypriot defence ministry highlighted that the drill aimed to enhance readiness in special operations, while also improving cooperation among the different armed forces involved. Cyprus contributed a diverse array of units, including its elite green beret branch, navy, and air force commands, as well as teams from search and rescue and anti-terrorist squads.

    Special forces from the Hellenic Armed Forces, the Jordanian Armed Forces, and the Royal Saudi Navy also played a crucial role in the exercise. The ministry emphasised that the primary objectives of the drill were to strengthen operational coordination and elevate collaborative efforts among the participating states.

    Perseas-2025 has been described as particularly valuable for reinforcing partnerships with regional allies committed to security cooperation. This exercise not only solidified existing relationships but also paved the way for enhanced military cooperation in the future.

  • Inmate Dies Following Violent Assault at Nicosia Central Prisons

    Inmate Dies Following Violent Assault at Nicosia Central Prisons

    An inmate has tragically died after a brutal attack at Nicosia Central Prisons, prompting authorities to investigate a potential murder case.

    • An inmate has tragically died after a brutal attack at Nicosia Central Prisons, prompting authorities to investigate a potential murder case.
    • The victim, a man of Arab origin, was assaulted by three Greek Cypriot inmates within the facility. Early reports suggest that the attack was particularly violent, leading to severe injuries.
    • After the assault, the victim was quickly transported to a local hospital. Despite the efforts of medical staff, he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.
    • The investigation is ongoing, and arrests of those involved are expected to take place soon.

    The victim, a man of Arab origin, was assaulted by three Greek Cypriot inmates within the facility. Early reports suggest that the attack was particularly violent, leading to severe injuries.

    After the assault, the victim was quickly transported to a local hospital. Despite the efforts of medical staff, he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.

    Authorities are taking the incident very seriously, with the Nicosia CID launching a murder investigation. The prison’s closed-circuit television (CCTV) system is believed to have captured the entire incident, which could aid in identifying the assailants.

    The investigation is ongoing, and arrests of those involved are expected to take place soon.

  • Limassol — Limassol Cancels Christmas Events Amid Weather Woes

    Limassol — Limassol Cancels Christmas Events Amid Weather Woes

    limassol — Limassol Municipality has announced the cancellation of all Christmas events scheduled for today, December 7, due to adverse weather conditions. The decision comes as a precautionary measure, prioritising the safety of the public and participants.

    Festivities were set to take place on Anexartisias Street and Ayiou Andreou Street, where local businesses and residents had prepared for a day filled with seasonal cheer. However, the current weather, characterised by heavy rain and strong winds, has made it impossible to proceed with the planned celebrations.

    In a statement released by the Municipality, officials expressed their regret over the situation, acknowledging the disappointment felt by the community. “We sincerely apologise to the public for this cancellation, but the safety of everyone involved is our top priority,” the statement read. The Municipality also assured residents that they would provide updates regarding any potential rescheduling of events or changes to the Christmas programme.

    As the festive season is a significant time for local commerce and community spirit, the cancellation is likely to impact both retailers and attendees. Many local businesses rely heavily on the foot traffic brought in by such events, and the loss of today’s activities may affect their holiday sales.

    Despite the setback, the Municipality remains hopeful that the weather will improve, allowing for the resumption of planned festivities in the coming weeks. Local officials are closely monitoring the situation and are committed to keeping the community informed as conditions change.