MVP

Tag: community response

  • Larnaca School Pupils Face Consequences for Nazi Salutes

    Larnaca School Pupils Face Consequences for Nazi Salutes

    Pupils at Vergina Lyceum in Larnaca face penalties after the Ministry of Education launched an investigation into disturbing photos showing them performing Nazi salutes and drawing swastikas in their school environment.

    According to Giorgos Koutsides, deputy director of Secondary Education, the ministry was informed of the situation yesterday, and steps are being taken to address it. “It was a reckless action by the pupils. The director said he knows who they are and will call them to his office to impose penalties,” Koutsides stated.

    These actions, including the posting of images on social media, have raised serious concerns among the community. The final-year students reportedly created social media accounts to disseminate Nazi ideology, including an Instagram account named “Verginazi,” which has drawn attention for its troubling content.

    Complaints from various sources indicate that the pupils not only performed Nazi salutes but also defaced school property with swastikas. In one alarming incident, they altered a sign placed by activists, originally aimed at honouring a Jewish tree-planting event, by erasing the word “children” and replacing it with a Nazi symbol.

    Koutsides confirmed that the posts reflect personal publications by the pupils made on different occasions. When asked whether the Ministry of Education would intervene for educational purposes, he affirmed that the ministry’s provincial officer will visit the school to assess the situation. “We will see if it’s an isolated incident,” he added.

    Kostas Kosta, president of the organised parents association in the Larnaca district, expressed his dismay at the behaviour of the pupils. “As parents, we are clear and consider these incidents unthinkable. Anything that refers to the Nazi past and particularly symbols connected to the murder of millions of people, we condemn,” Kosta said.

    He further emphasised, “Ideologies of hatred have no place in schools,” urging the Ministry of Education to take decisive action. The parents’ association is keen to ensure that such ideologies do not find a foothold in educational environments.

    The political party AKEL Larnaca also condemned the actions of the students, stating that these incidents cannot be dismissed as mere bravado. In a statement, they labelled the actions as manifestations of a dangerous intolerant ideology that has no place in schools or society. They called for an immediate and thorough investigation, insisting on substantial measures from the Ministry of Education and the school administration.

    AKEL stressed the importance of teaching respect and denouncing hatred in schools, asserting, “Fascism and Nazism have no place in education, youth, and democracy.” The events at Vergina Lyceum have sparked a broader conversation about the responsibilities of educational institutions in countering extremist ideologies.

  • Limassol Roads Experience Flooding Following Heavy Rainfall

    Limassol Roads Experience Flooding Following Heavy Rainfall

    limassol roads — Limassol roads experienced significant flooding after heavy rainfall on Friday, disrupting the usual calm of the district following an extended dry spell. The rain commenced around midday, predominantly affecting the mountainous regions of Limassol, before heavy downpours reached the city, leading to waterlogged streets.

    • In the days following the rainfall, local authorities are expected to monitor the situation closely, as more rain could be on the horizon, potentially exacerbating the current conditions.

    Residents took to social media, sharing videos of the flooded roads on the KAIROFILI KYPROU Facebook page. The footage captured the swift rise of water, with vehicles struggling to navigate through the inundated streets. Local reports indicate that some areas were temporarily impassable due to the conditions.

    This sudden shift in weather is a stark contrast to the preceding weeks of dry weather, which had left many areas of Cyprus parched. The rainfall not only caused immediate flooding but also contributed to raising the average rainfall figures for November in the region, especially after previous storms earlier in the week.

    While the heavy rain is welcomed by many as a relief from the dry period, the flooding has prompted concerns over drainage systems and preparedness for such weather events. As residents clean up and assess the impact, the focus will likely shift to ensuring infrastructure can better handle similar occurrences in the future.

    In the days following the rainfall, local authorities are expected to monitor the situation closely, as more rain could be on the horizon, potentially exacerbating the current conditions.

  • Limassol Pedestrian Dies After Being Struck by Reversing Bus

    Limassol Pedestrian Dies After Being Struck by Reversing Bus

    limassol pedestrian — limassol pedestrian — A 65-year-old Romanian man has died from injuries sustained when a public bus reversed over him in Limassol on 4 September. Doru-Gheorghe Spataceanu succumbed to his injuries yesterday afternoon after 10 days of treatment in intensive care at a private hospital, where he had been intubated.

    The tragic incident took place on Leontiou Street, close to the city’s Central Police Station. According to reports, the bus, operated by EMEL, was travelling northbound and had stopped at a bus stop outside a technical school. The driver attempted to reverse due to a parked vehicle obstructing the way ahead.

    In a moment of misfortune, the bus struck Spataceanu, who was standing behind it at the time. He suffered serious injuries, including broken ribs and damage to vital organs, which necessitated immediate ambulance transport to the hospital.

    Despite the medical team’s efforts, Spataceanu’s condition remained critical, and he was placed on a ventilator in the intensive care unit. Unfortunately, after a lengthy battle for recovery, he passed away on 14 September, leaving the community to mourn.

    Limassol Traffic Police have launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident. Authorities are working to determine the exact cause of the collision and whether any safety protocols were violated during the incident.

  • Attempted murder — Attempted Murder Investigated After Shooting Outside Limassol Hotel

    Attempted murder — Attempted Murder Investigated After Shooting Outside Limassol Hotel

    A man has reportedly been injured after being shot by unknown individuals in front of a Limassol hotel on Monday evening, with police investigating the incident as attempted murder.

    • A man has reportedly been injured after being shot by unknown individuals in front of a Limassol hotel on Monday evening, with police investigating the incident as attempted murder.
    • As the investigation unfolds, many are left wondering about the motivations behind such a brazen act of violence. The police have not ruled out any possibilities at this stage.
    • More updates are expected as the police continue their thorough examination of the facts surrounding this shocking event.

    Emergency services responded swiftly to the scene, and the injured man was transported to a local hospital. As of now, there has been no official update regarding his condition, leaving many concerned for his wellbeing.

    Witnesses described a chaotic scene as the sound of gunfire echoed through the area, prompting nearby visitors and staff to seek shelter. The hotel management has expressed their shock at the incident, highlighting that such violence is rare in the area. “We are deeply saddened by this event and are cooperating fully with the authorities to ensure a thorough investigation,” a hotel spokesperson stated.

    The area surrounding the hotel has been cordoned off as police conduct their inquiries. Officers have begun gathering witness statements and reviewing security footage in an effort to identify the assailants. The police have urged anyone with additional information to come forward.

    This incident marks a troubling escalation in violence within Limassol, a city typically known for its vibrant tourism and peaceful atmosphere. Local authorities are under pressure to ensure the safety of residents and visitors alike.

    As the investigation unfolds, many are left wondering about the motivations behind such a brazen act of violence. The police have not ruled out any possibilities at this stage.

    More updates are expected as the police continue their thorough examination of the facts surrounding this shocking event.

  • Limassol wildfire — Government Receives ATF Report on Limassol Wildfire Investigation

    Limassol wildfire — Government Receives ATF Report on Limassol Wildfire Investigation

    The government has confirmed receipt of the ATF report regarding the recent Limassol wildfire, which tragically claimed two lives.

    • The government has confirmed receipt of the ATF report regarding the recent Limassol wildfire, which tragically claimed two lives.

    Following a devastating wildfire in the Limassol mountain region, the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) was invited to Cyprus by President Nikos Christodoulides to conduct a thorough investigation. This request for assistance highlights the seriousness of the situation and the need for specialised expertise.

    Limassol wildfire: ATF’s Detailed Findings

    The report delivered to the government in Nicosia is described as lengthy and detailed, focusing on the conditions and circumstances surrounding the fire. This investigation was prompted by the rapid spread of the wildfire, which raised significant alarm among local authorities and residents alike.

    Public Disclosure and Data Protection

    President Christodoulides has indicated that the findings will eventually be made public. However, he emphasised the importance of protecting personal data in accordance with legal requirements before the report is released. The government is currently reviewing the document to ensure that all necessary precautions are taken.

    Call for External Assistance

    The ATF’s involvement followed a formal request from local authorities, who sought external assistance to provide a specialised technical assessment of the wildfire. This collaboration underscores the complexities involved in managing such disasters and the value of international support in mitigating their impact.

  • Larnaca — Teen in Critical Condition Following Fall from Moving Car in Larnaca

    Larnaca — Teen in Critical Condition Following Fall from Moving Car in Larnaca

    A 19-year-old driver has been remanded in custody after a tragic incident in Larnaca left his friend, a fellow 19-year-old national guardsman, in critical condition. The incident occurred late on Monday night, around 11:30pm, in a car park behind the Mackenzie entertainment venues.

    • Police have confirmed that alcohol and drug tests conducted on the driver returned negative results, and the investigation continues as they await further witness statements and technical evidence.

    The driver faces charges of causing grievous bodily harm and reckless endangerment after the victim reportedly fell from the moving vehicle, sustaining severe head injuries. Initial accounts offered by both the driver and a passenger have raised questions due to significant discrepancies in their testimonies, leading to a deepening investigation.

    Larnaca: Conflicting Accounts of the Incident

    During the court proceedings, the investigating officer revealed that the statements from the driver and passenger were markedly different from what was later disclosed. The judge approved police requests for the driver’s detention, emphasising the nature of the incident, which involved the victim allegedly lying on the vehicle when he fell.

    On Tuesday, police described the event as an accident, claiming that the victim was struck while trying to board the car. However, the driver’s voluntary admission, which altered the narrative significantly, prompted the case to be transferred to the Larnaca traffic unit.

    Legal Proceedings and Testimonies

    Defence lawyer Paris Loizou did not contest the remand of the driver but took the opportunity to question the investigating officer regarding the circumstances surrounding the driver’s admission of the vehicle being in motion at low speed, with no apparent motive for the fall. The officer noted that there are still approximately ten additional statements pending, including those from potential eyewitnesses.

    Victim’s Condition Remains Critical

    The injured guardsman was first taken to Larnaca General Hospital by friends before being intubated and transferred urgently to the intensive care unit at Nicosia General Hospital. His condition is reported as extremely critical, with life-threatening head injuries.

    Ongoing Investigation and Evidence Gathering

    Authorities have conducted a reconstruction of the incident and are actively seeking CCTV footage to clarify the circumstances surrounding the fall. Initial court proceedings revealed that police requests for the driver’s arrest were initially rejected based on preliminary statements, but this changed dramatically following the driver’s voluntary testimony.

    Police have confirmed that alcohol and drug tests conducted on the driver returned negative results, and the investigation continues as they await further witness statements and technical evidence.

  • Ypsonas Residents Experience Night of Terror Amid Factory Fire

    A paper factory fire in Ypsonas triggered multiple explosions and threatened nearby residential properties during the early hours of Wednesday morning, forcing residents to evacuate their homes.

    • A paper factory fire in Ypsonas triggered multiple explosions and threatened nearby residential properties during the early hours of Wednesday morning, forcing residents to evacuate their homes.

    The blaze erupted shortly after 2am at the industrial facility, producing continuous explosions that woke the entire neighbourhood and prompted residents to flee onto the streets. Flames approached residential buildings, creating an immediate danger of spread to homes.

    Resident Anna Maria Koulounti described the chaos, saying, “We woke up around two from the sounds of explosions. The whole neighbourhood came out terrified. Many people ran to help because the fire was approaching our houses. It was like living through a war.”

    The explosions projected gas canisters that struck houses, breaking windows and scattering debris. “The house filled with gas canisters, the glass broke… It was very frightening, especially with babies inside,” Koulounti stated, capturing the fear that gripped the community.

    Fire service personnel responded swiftly to the incident, aided by local residents who acted to prevent the fire’s spread to residential areas. “If the fire service hadn’t come quickly, I don’t know what would have happened,” Koulounti added, highlighting the critical role of emergency responders and community solidarity during the crisis.

  • Paphos District Fire Endangers Homes in Tala and Koili Near Historic Monastery

    Paphos District Fire Endangers Homes in Tala and Koili Near Historic Monastery

    A significant fire is currently threatening the Paphos district, particularly in the Tala and Koili areas, with flames drawing dangerously close to residential properties and the historic Ayios Neophytos monastery.

    The blaze erupted just after three o’clock this afternoon, quickly escalating due to strong winds and the dense vegetation characteristic of the region. Firefighters have mobilised extensive ground resources, supported by aerial assistance to combat the rapidly spreading flames.

    Paphos district: Firefighting Efforts Underway

    Emergency services have deployed a robust response to the fire, utilising four forestry department aircraft, including both planes and helicopters, to tackle the flames from above. These aircraft are operating from bases in Larnaca and Akrotiri, playing a crucial role in the firefighting strategy.

    Photo: in-cyprus.philenews.com

    Risk to Local Communities

    The immediate priority for the firefighting teams is to contain the fire’s advance, particularly to protect the homes located in the vicinity. As the flames threaten to engulf trees and wild shrubbery, residents are on high alert, with safety measures being implemented to safeguard lives and property.

    Historical Significance at Stake

    Adding to the urgency of the situation is the proximity of the historic Ayios Neophytos monastery, a site of cultural and religious importance. Efforts are being made to ensure that the flames do not reach this landmark, which has stood for centuries and is cherished by both locals and visitors.

    Community Response and Resilience

    Local residents are closely monitoring the situation, with many expressing their concerns over the potential devastation of their homes and the surrounding natural landscape. Community solidarity is evident as neighbours come together to assist those most affected, while the authorities continue to coordinate firefighting operations.

    Photo: in-cyprus.philenews.com

    Weather Conditions Complicate Efforts

    The fire’s rapid spread has been exacerbated by the strong winds that have been sweeping through the area, making it a challenging environment for the firefighting teams. The rugged terrain also poses additional obstacles, as crews work tirelessly to establish control over the situation.

    Continued Vigilance Required

    As the firefighting efforts continue, authorities urge residents to remain vigilant and adhere to any safety advisories issued. The situation remains fluid, and updates will be provided as new information becomes available.