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  • Teens arrested — Teens Arrested for Stealing Car and €9,000 in Cash

    Teens arrested — Teens Arrested for Stealing Car and €9,000 in Cash

    teens arrested — teens arrested — Two teenagers, aged 18 and 17, were arrested on Monday in Aradippou for stealing a rental car along with over €9,000 in cash. The incident unfolded when a man reported his rental car stolen while parked outside his residence in Larnaca.

    • However, further police investigations led to the discovery of an additional €8,000 that the girls had hidden, indicating a more extensive involvement in the theft.
    • The two teenagers are set to appear before the Larnaca district court on Tuesday, where they will face charges related to the theft.

    The victim, a permanent resident of Cyprus, stated that the car was taken along with a briefcase containing €9,300, which he intended to use for his children’s school fees. Fortunately, he was able to utilise a tracking app to locate the vehicle, which had been moved to Aradippou.

    Upon finding the car, police discovered the two girls nearby. According to the police, both had prior investigations related to car and property theft. When questioned, the teenagers confessed to stealing the car. One of them handed over €1,300, claiming it was the only money they had found.

    However, further police investigations led to the discovery of an additional €8,000 that the girls had hidden, indicating a more extensive involvement in the theft.

    The two teenagers are set to appear before the Larnaca district court on Tuesday, where they will face charges related to the theft.

  • Animal abuse — Limassol Woman Receives Suspended Sentence and Dog Ownership Ban for Animal Abuse

    Animal abuse — Limassol Woman Receives Suspended Sentence and Dog Ownership Ban for Animal Abuse

    animal abuse — A 77-year-old woman in Limassol has been handed a suspended prison sentence after being convicted of animal abuse involving dozens of dogs. The Limassol District Court has also imposed a three-year ban on her owning, maintaining, or supervising dogs.

    The court delivered various prison terms for multiple charges related to her treatment of animals, with the longest sentence set at three months. However, all sentences were suspended for three years, taking into account her age, clean criminal record, and the context of the offences, particularly the lack of malicious intent.

    The case against the woman began on 17 July 2020 when a complaint was lodged with the police by state veterinary services. An initial raid uncovered three dogs in horrific conditions on her property. The animals were found severely dehydrated and suffering from chronic ailments, with one dog being bedridden.

    Despite immediate veterinary care, one of the dogs did not survive. The other two were discovered locked in a toilet. The distressing findings prompted authorities to escalate their investigation, leading to a secondary search in early August 2020. This search revealed an additional eight dogs, all of whom were also living under appalling conditions.

    During the court proceedings, the judge took into consideration several factors, including the elapsed time since the offences and the absence of any prior convictions. The decision to suspend the sentences was made to prevent future incidents, reflecting a balance between accountability and compassion given the defendant’s circumstances.

  • Two Arrested After Viral Assault on Larnaca Minibus Driver

    larnaca minibus — Two suspects, aged 22 and 50, have been arrested in connection with an assault on a minibus driver in Larnaca, an incident that has since gone viral.

    • larnaca minibus — Two suspects, aged 22 and 50, have been arrested in connection with an assault on a minibus driver in Larnaca, an incident that has since gone viral.

    The shocking attack occurred last Saturday and was captured on video, quickly spreading across social media platforms. The footage depicts two individuals verbally assaulting the driver of a minibus before escalating to physical violence.

    In the video, the confrontation appears to be unprovoked as the assailants lash out at the driver of a following vehicle, a minibus. One of the attackers strikes the driver in the face, leading to a chaotic scene on the road.

    After being struck, the minibus driver exited his vehicle in an attempt to document the licence plates of the assailants’ vehicle. In a dangerous turn of events, as he positioned himself in front of their vehicle, one of the attackers accelerated, nearly running him over. Remarkably, the driver managed to evade serious injury.

    Local police confirmed the arrests were made to facilitate further investigations into this alarming incident. They have urged witnesses or anyone with additional footage to come forward as they work to gather more information about the circumstances surrounding the assault.

    This incident highlights growing concerns over safety on the roads and the potential for road rage to escalate into violence. Authorities are calling for increased awareness and caution among drivers to prevent such occurrences in the future.

  • Syrians withdraw — Cyprus Sees 2,800 Syrians Withdraw Asylum Claims Amid Declining Migrant Arrivals

    Syrians withdraw — Cyprus Sees 2,800 Syrians Withdraw Asylum Claims Amid Declining Migrant Arrivals

    syrians withdraw — syrians withdraw — In a significant shift, 2,800 Syrians have withdrawn their asylum claims in Cyprus, marking a considerable change in the migration landscape. This decision comes as irregular migrant arrivals in the country have decreased notably, according to the Deputy Ministry of Migration.

    Syrians withdraw: Declining Migrant Arrivals

    Data reveals that by August 2023, Cyprus recorded just 1,606 irregular arrivals, a stark contrast to the 9,307 individuals who arrived in 2022. This reduction reflects a broader trend in migration patterns, as the island nation has seen a notable decline in the number of people seeking sanctuary.

    Withdrawal of Asylum Claims

    Of the total asylum applications made, approximately 25 per cent were from Syrians, with 2,800 individuals withdrawing their requests and choosing to return home. This marks a significant departure from the previous trend of increasing asylum applications, indicating a shift in the motivations and circumstances of these individuals.

    Intensified Processing of Asylum Applications

    The Asylum Service in Cyprus has ramped up its processing times, with decisions now being made more swiftly. From January to August 2023, the service issued 8,546 asylum decisions, of which a staggering 95 per cent were negative. The Deputy Minister of Migration and Asylum, Nicholas Ioannides, introduced new guidelines in April 2025 that have expedited the rejection of applications from individuals who do not meet asylum criteria.

    Impact of Policy Changes

    These policy changes have led to immediate rejections of ineligible applications, rather than drawn-out processes. While each case is still examined individually, the new streamlined approach aims to reduce backlogs and expedite the overall asylum process.

    Increasing Syrian Repatriations

    In total, 4,112 Syrian nationals have either withdrawn their applications or had their subsidiary protection status revoked. Among these, 3,541 have successfully returned to Syria. This voluntary repatriation indicates a willingness among many Syrians to return home, possibly reflecting improved conditions or changes in personal circumstances.

    Relocation Initiatives Under EU Mechanism

    Since 2022, Cyprus has relocated over 3,006 international protection applicants to nine EU member states under the European Union’s Voluntary Solidarity Mechanism. A significant majority of these relocations occurred between March 2023 and the present, with Cyprus leading among the five Mediterranean frontline countries involved in this initiative.

    Support for Vulnerable Groups

    The European Union Agency for Asylum (EUAA) has facilitated special briefing sessions to ensure that applicants understand their rights and the relocation process. These sessions have particularly focused on vulnerable individuals, including families, unaccompanied minors, and those with special needs, ensuring informed consent for participation in the relocation programme.

    Stricter Measures for Criminal Offences

    Following the recent policy adjustments, enforcement measures have tightened. Foreign nationals implicated in criminal activities can now have their subsidiary protection status revoked and face deportation if any appeals are unsuccessful. This also applies to unaccompanied minors deemed troublesome.

  • Cyprus sovereignty: Cyprus Faces Backlash Over Sovereignty After Israeli Request

    Cyprus sovereignty: Cyprus Faces Backlash Over Sovereignty After Israeli Request

    cyprus sovereignty — cyprus sovereignty — The issue of Cyprus surrendering sovereignty to Israel has ignited controversy following the Presidential Palace’s decision to disseminate a directive from Israel’s Diaspora Minister. This letter, addressed to municipalities and communities, calls for the removal of political slogans from public spaces, raising concerns over foreign interference in domestic affairs.

    The directive originated from a circular issued by Israel’s Ministry of Diaspora Affairs, which prompted the Interior Ministry of Cyprus to pass on the request to every municipality across the island. The Interior Ministry explicitly stated that they had received “instructions to forward” the Israeli request, detailing directives from Interior Minister Constantinos Ioannou that focused on the removal of alleged antisemitic slogans.

    The Movement of Ecologists – Citizens’ Cooperation has strongly condemned this action, labelling it a serious retreat from the principle of sovereignty. In a statement released on 22nd September 2025, the movement argued that “Cyprus cannot function under the instructions of any third country.” They view this situation as a dangerous precedent that undermines the country’s independence.

    The Israeli circular specifically targeted four pieces of graffiti that were deemed problematic. Among the images included was a depiction of a Palestinian flag held near two heart-shaped balloons, referencing an incident during a football match in July between Pafos FC and Israeli team Maccabi Tel Aviv. Other controversial artworks showcased included the word “Gaza” painted in blood red above a baby image and a tin labelled “genocide” leaking red paint, alongside inflammatory phrases above a modified Israeli flag.

    Municipal leaders, including Larnaca mayor Andreas Vyras, have publicly rejected the ministry’s instructions. Vyras, who also serves as the chairman of the union of Cyprus municipalities, stated firmly, “We do not accept suggestions from third parties, even more so from any foreign country.” He highlighted that municipalities are capable of addressing issues of genuine hate speech and violence without needing external direction, emphasising that “freedom of expression is non-negotiable.”

    Concerns around freedom of expression have been raised by the Movement of Ecologists, who argue that limiting such freedoms to appease foreign governments constitutes an attack on democracy. They stress that the ability to express oneself, as long as it doesn’t cross into hate speech, is essential to a functioning democracy. The movement has called for the immediate withdrawal of the circular and for the government to respect the will of its citizens, thereby ensuring the protection of the country’s independence and democratic rights.

  • Cyprus sexual — Cyprus Sexual Harassment Laws Lack Protection for Workplace Victims

    Cyprus sexual — Cyprus Sexual Harassment Laws Lack Protection for Workplace Victims

    cyprus sexual — Concerns about the inadequacy of Cyprus sexual harassment laws were raised during a House Human Rights Committee hearing on Monday, where parliamentarians discussed the pressing need for better protections for workplace victims.

    The hearing was prompted by recent reports from Phileleftheros detailing allegations of sexual harassment involving Education Ministry officials. In this case, a superior was cleared in a disciplinary investigation and subsequently promoted, despite now facing criminal prosecution.

    Eleni Kouzoupi from the Law Office highlighted the troubling provisions allowing cases of sexual harassment to be settled out of court, labelling it “absurd”. She argued that such inclusions in legislation are fundamentally flawed and fail to address the complexities of different employment relationships, especially in sectors that often fall into grey areas.

    Nasia Dionysiou, representing the Ombudswoman’s office, outlined the existing administrative gaps, stating, “It took us 15 years and a conviction to establish a Code”. However, she noted that the Code lacks the power to enforce responsibilities, serving merely as an informational tool for employers and employees. When a complaint is lodged, minor cases can be resolved internally if the victim consents, but if not, disciplinary proceedings are initiated.

    Dionysiou pointed out that sexual harassment was not even acknowledged in public service until her office intervened. In a recent incident, her office recommended disciplinary action after uncovering improper investigation procedures and called witnesses to testify due to concerns about how evidence was initially managed.

    Questioning the Education Ministry’s handling of the recent case, Dionysiou remarked, “How do we proceed? The Education Ministry tells us they are awaiting the Law Office’s position. But right now the legislation is being violated and the Ministry is committing an offence.” This highlights the urgency for legislative reform and proper enforcement mechanisms.

    Labour Minister Yiannis Panayiotou defended the existing framework, asserting, “If victims remain exposed, then policy has failed”. He expressed confidence in the direction authorities are taking and emphasised the need for collective protection without undermining the criminal and employment laws. Panayiotou noted that 80% of citizens are now employed, a figure bolstered by the integration of women into the workforce, which has reached a participation rate of 75%.

    In response to the growing concerns, the Labour Department initiated an investigation into the handling of sexual harassment complaints in workplaces. Labour Department Director Alexandros Alexandrou reported that over the past three years, only ten complaints were received: four in 2022, one in 2023, and five in 2024, all of which were investigated.

    Trade union representatives voiced their frustrations regarding the complex and often intimidating procedures faced by victims. A representative from PASYDY described the procedures as “labyrinthine”, while representatives from the Isotita union called for improved protection for employees. Christina Kaili from the Mediterranean Institute of Gender Studies underscored the necessity for modernising procedures and establishing clear protocols to support victims.

    Parliamentarians expressed their condemnation of workplace sexual harassment. AKEL MP and committee vice-chairman Giorgos Koukoumas characterised such harassment as a form of gender-based violence and discrimination, citing examples like unwanted touching and harassing messages. MP Alexandra Attalides labelled sexual harassment as the worst form of workplace harassment and stressed the importance of allowing victims to report incidents safely without fear of retaliation. She also noted the vague responses received from the Labour Ministry following parliamentary questions submitted in August 2024.

    MP Rita Superman acknowledged the seriousness of the issue, pointing to the discrepancies between legislation and its implementation. She questioned why sexual harassment is not treated as a criminal offence from the outset, calling for urgent legislative reforms to better protect victims in the workplace.

  • Strong Winds Cause Two Fishing Boats to Sink at Pomos Harbour

    Strong Winds Cause Two Fishing Boats to Sink at Pomos Harbour

    pomos harbour — Two fishing boats have sunk at Pomos harbour due to strong winds, highlighting ongoing concerns about the shelter’s inadequate protection for vessels. The incident occurred on two separate occasions last week, causing significant distress among boat owners and local authorities.

    Andreas Dionysiou, the Deputy Mayor of Polis Chrysochous, expressed his concerns to Phileleftheros, stating that this situation is not new. Boat owners have been raising alarms about structural problems at the fishing shelter for years, yet little has been done to address them. “Our years-long representations brought no results, with the Fisheries Department insisting that everything is properly constructed,” he remarked.

    Last week, severe winds impacted the area on Tuesday and Friday evenings, which Dionysiou described as unusual for this time of year. He noted that the lack of protection for the fishing shelter during strong northerly or north-easterly winds had devastating effects, resulting in the sinking of boats and serious damage to others. “Unfortunately, the phenomenon appeared during this period, which is unusual, so they did not have time to protect their boats,” he explained.

    The Pomos fishing shelter, constructed in 1983, has faced criticism for its design flaws that fail to provide adequate safety for moored vessels. Dionysiou highlighted that it can only accommodate three or four large fishing boats at a time, further complicating the situation for local fishermen who rely on the harbour.

    While the current Agriculture Minister has visited Pomos and shown willingness to pursue solutions, the issue remains pressing. Dionysiou hopes for improvements that will prevent future incidents and ensure the safety of those who depend on the harbour for their livelihood.

  • Paphos fire — Paphos Fire Contained After Consuming 12 Hectares of Land

    Paphos fire — Paphos Fire Contained After Consuming 12 Hectares of Land

    paphos fire — A wildfire in the Paphos district has been contained after burning approximately 12 hectares of dry grass and wild vegetation, according to the Fire Service.

    • paphos fire — A wildfire in the Paphos district has been contained after burning approximately 12 hectares of dry grass and wild vegetation, according to the Fire Service.
    • During the operation, four aircraft carried out water drops, which were crucial in bringing the blaze under control.
    • Shortly after, at 11:11 am, another fire involving a small pile of pruned branches and dry grass occurred in the Konia area, which was also quickly contained.

    The blaze, located west of Goudi village, prompted an extensive firefighting operation involving aerial and ground resources. Three firefighting aircraft completed their water drops and have since left the scene. However, one aircraft continues to monitor the area to ensure the fire remains under control.

    Ground firefighting forces are still active at the location, focusing on final extinguishing operations to prevent any flare-ups. Five fire service vehicles from Paphos district fire stations are assisting, supported by the Forestry Department, which has deployed two firefighting vehicles and a bulldozer. Additionally, the Paphos District Administration has provided another bulldozer to aid in the firefighting efforts.

    During the operation, four aircraft carried out water drops, which were crucial in bringing the blaze under control.

    Multiple wildfires have been reported across the Paphos district within the same day. At 10:36 am, a fire ignited in the “Vatoufkia” area near Koili village. It was successfully brought under control by 11:10 am after burning half a hectare of dry grass and wild vegetation, with two fire service vehicles and one Portable Firefighting Unit responding to the incident.

    Shortly after, at 11:11 am, another fire involving a small pile of pruned branches and dry grass occurred in the Konia area, which was also quickly contained.

  • International film — Cyprus Hosts 20th International Film Festival with Artistic Celebrations

    International film — Cyprus Hosts 20th International Film Festival with Artistic Celebrations

    International film: Celebrating Cinematic Talent in Nicosia

    This week, Cyprus welcomes the 20th International Film Festival, the Golden Aphrodite, alongside the 5th Women in Film and Television Festival. Both events are taking place at the Melina Mercouri Hall, running until Saturday, and promise a vibrant array of screenings, artistic events, and professional activities for filmmakers and cinephiles alike.

    A Showcase of Global Filmmaking

    Approximately 60 filmmakers from around the world will present their work, selected from 115 films competing across multiple categories from 52 countries. This year’s festival not only highlights cinematic talent but also serves as a new international platform for Greek and Cypriot filmmakers. Collaborating with the Bridges Film Festival in Greece and the Inspire-TV™ platform, the festival is poised to enhance connections within the film community.

    A Meeting Point for Cultures

    The festival is especially significant as it acts as a meeting point for Greek Cypriot and international artists, fostering new relationships and opportunities for collaboration. As a budding destination for film tourism, Nicosia is keen to promote its cultural offerings and attract visitors interested in the cinematic arts.

    Engaging Community Activities

    Each evening, the festival features film screenings complemented by a bicommunal photographic exhibition titled Cyprus Women – Environment and Peace. Organised in collaboration with the Nicosia Photographic Society, this exhibition showcases authentic photographs from both sides of the divide in Nicosia. It highlights the contributions of women towards environmental protection and peacebuilding, capturing their beauty, strength, and resilience in daily life.

    Honouring Remarkable Women

    On Saturday evening, the festival will culminate in a grand awards ceremony, where the distinguished international jury will present the prestigious Golden Aphrodite Film Awards along with the Women in Film and Television – Cyprus LIFE Awards. This year, the spotlight will shine on two remarkable women from across the divide: Fryni Papadopoulou, a presenter and producer at CyBC TV and radio, and Neşe Yaşın, a Turkish Cypriot poet, author of My Own Country, and journalist.

    A Symbolic Musical Premiere

    The finale will also feature the world premiere of the song CWEP – Cyprus Women Environmental Peacemakers, performed by the Bicommunal Choir for Peace – Lena Melanidou. This performance symbolises the unifying power of culture and the shared aspiration for reconciliation among the communities of Cyprus.

    Festival Details and Accessibility

    The 20th Cyprus International Film Festival, Golden Aphrodite, along with the Women in Film and Television Festival, is being held at the Melina Mercouri Hall in Nicosia until September 27. With free entrance to the events, the festival invites all to explore the rich tapestry of film and culture on offer. For more information, visit www.cyprusfilmfestival.org.

  • Illegal bird — BBC Presenters Join CABS to Combat Illegal Bird Trapping in Cyprus

    Illegal bird — BBC Presenters Join CABS to Combat Illegal Bird Trapping in Cyprus

    The focus of the campaign against illegal bird trapping in Cyprus has intensified as BBC presenters Chris Packham and Megan McCubbin joined forces with the Committee Against Bird Slaughter (CABS) to shed light on the issue near Maroni.

    Photo: in-cyprus.philenews.com

    CABS has launched a mission dubbed “Occupy Akas” aimed at exposing what it alleges to be a large-scale operation of poaching at a site known as “Akas farm.” The organisation claims that this notorious location is responsible for the illegal trapping of approximately 30,000 protected birds annually, generating an illegal profit of about 180,000 euros.

    Photo: in-cyprus.philenews.com

    As part of their campaign, CABS began monitoring the area on Saturday, reporting the use of six nets by trappers at 6.30am. Activists witnessed the suspects freeing birds from the nets and attempting to remove equipment when they realised they were being observed. CABS General Secretary Alexander Heyd called the site “by far the worst black spot for illegal bird trapping in the whole European Union,” adding that on average, 500 birds are killed daily, with a staggering 1,000 killed on peak days.

    Despite the alarming reports, CABS alleges that Cypriot authorities have largely failed to take effective action. According to the organisation, police typically conduct only one visit per trapping season and impose what they describe as “laughable” fines in comparison to the profits made by poachers. Heyd noted that from the hills above, activists can see numerous illegal mist nets and hear tape lures playing loudly every night, while thousands of dead birds are removed from the farm.

    During the monitoring operation, CABS contacted police about the ongoing activities but received a response stating that officers could not intervene. This has raised concerns about the apparent obstruction of justice by public officials, as CABS has repeatedly reported these illegal activities without seeing significant action taken.

    Cyprus has faced longstanding criticism from environmental groups regarding its handling of bird trapping. The European Commission has previously initiated legal actions against the country for inadequate enforcement of wildlife protection laws. The issue of bird trapping remains a contentious topic, with reports of violence against activists who challenge these illegal practices.

    Previous incidents have raised safety concerns for CABS activists. After reporting a suspected gang member involved in illegal trapping, one police officer was allegedly assaulted by the gang leader, with no charges filed afterward. Additionally, an explosive device was reported to have damaged the windshield of a CABS vehicle, leading the organisation to request security protection for their teams amid fears for their safety during monitoring operations.

    The involvement of well-known figures like Packham and McCubbin, who provided live coverage of the campaign on social media, has helped to draw attention to the situation. The combination of celebrity support and grassroots activism aims to bring the illegal practices to the forefront of public consciousness and pressure authorities to act decisively against the poachers.