Channels / 🇨🇾 CYPRUS NEWS 🇬🇧
🇨🇾 CYPRUS NEWS 🇬🇧
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🌱 One cup of beans a day lowers cholesterol and inflammation — study finds
A new study from the Illinois Institute of Technology has shown that daily consumption of chickpeas or black beans provides noticeable benefits for heart health and metabolism. The results were presented at the NUTRITION 2025 conference of the American Society for Nutrition.
What the scientists found
A 12-week experiment involved 72 adults with prediabetes — a condition often associated with elevated cholesterol and inflammation levels. Participants were divided into three groups: the first ate a cup of chickpeas daily, the second ate black beans, and the third (control) ate rice.
Results:
· Chickpeas reduced total cholesterol from 200.4 to 185.8 mg/dL.
· Black beans reduced interleukin‑6 (a key marker of inflammation) from 2.57 to 1.88 pg/mL.
Blood sugar levels and glucose sensitivity did not change. This means beans affect precisely lipids and inflammation — two critical risk factors for cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes.
Who benefits from this
"We found benefits in people with prediabetes, but beans are suitable for absolutely everyone," notes researcher Morgan Smith. "They are rich in fiber, plant protein, and bioactive compounds that improve the state of the gut microbiome."
How to add beans to your diet
The researchers advise replacing less healthy foods with beans (canned, dried, or frozen). At the same time, attention should be paid to salt and sugar content.
Ways to include them in your menu:
· add to soup for thickness,
· use as a side dish for salad,
· mix with rice or quinoa.
Scientists plan to further study how different legumes affect gut health. But it is already clear: beans are a simple, affordable, and effective way to support heart health and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
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A new study from the Illinois Institute of Technology has shown that daily consumption of chickpeas or black beans provides noticeable benefits for heart health and metabolism. The results were presented at the NUTRITION 2025 conference of the American Society for Nutrition.
What the scientists found
A 12-week experiment involved 72 adults with prediabetes — a condition often associated with elevated cholesterol and inflammation levels. Participants were divided into three groups: the first ate a cup of chickpeas daily, the second ate black beans, and the third (control) ate rice.
Results:
· Chickpeas reduced total cholesterol from 200.4 to 185.8 mg/dL.
· Black beans reduced interleukin‑6 (a key marker of inflammation) from 2.57 to 1.88 pg/mL.
Blood sugar levels and glucose sensitivity did not change. This means beans affect precisely lipids and inflammation — two critical risk factors for cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes.
Who benefits from this
"We found benefits in people with prediabetes, but beans are suitable for absolutely everyone," notes researcher Morgan Smith. "They are rich in fiber, plant protein, and bioactive compounds that improve the state of the gut microbiome."
How to add beans to your diet
The researchers advise replacing less healthy foods with beans (canned, dried, or frozen). At the same time, attention should be paid to salt and sugar content.
Ways to include them in your menu:
· add to soup for thickness,
· use as a side dish for salad,
· mix with rice or quinoa.
Scientists plan to further study how different legumes affect gut health. But it is already clear: beans are a simple, affordable, and effective way to support heart health and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
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⛽Driver fined €40,000 for smuggling 9 tons of diesel from the occupied north
On Wednesday, May 6, in the Dali area, a 54-year-old Greek Cypriot was arrested behind the wheel of a truck. Inside the vehicle, 9 tons of diesel fuel illegally brought in from the northern territories were discovered. This is one of the largest fines for such violations: the man voluntarily paid €40,000 out of court. The cargo was confiscated, and the vehicle was returned to its owner.
Hidden in the truck's body was a metal tank of diesel. In the cab, another 80 liters of gasoline and 54 liters of motor oil were found.
Why is fuel being brought from the north? In the occupied territory, diesel is significantly cheaper — about €1.13 per liter compared to €1.85 in the south. By reselling 9 tons, one could earn approximately €7,000. However, under the "Green Line" regulations, transporting fuel for personal purposes is prohibited.
This is not an isolated case. In July 2024, another driver paid €19,000 for 4,500 liters of diesel. And in March 2026, an 80-year-old pensioner was fined €1,000 for 160 liters of diesel and 40 liters of gasoline in plastic water containers. The Customs Department then warned: transporting fuel in such containers is life-threatening.
Fuel smuggling across the "Green Line" is becoming a systemic problem, and the size of fines continues to grow.
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On Wednesday, May 6, in the Dali area, a 54-year-old Greek Cypriot was arrested behind the wheel of a truck. Inside the vehicle, 9 tons of diesel fuel illegally brought in from the northern territories were discovered. This is one of the largest fines for such violations: the man voluntarily paid €40,000 out of court. The cargo was confiscated, and the vehicle was returned to its owner.
Hidden in the truck's body was a metal tank of diesel. In the cab, another 80 liters of gasoline and 54 liters of motor oil were found.
Why is fuel being brought from the north? In the occupied territory, diesel is significantly cheaper — about €1.13 per liter compared to €1.85 in the south. By reselling 9 tons, one could earn approximately €7,000. However, under the "Green Line" regulations, transporting fuel for personal purposes is prohibited.
This is not an isolated case. In July 2024, another driver paid €19,000 for 4,500 liters of diesel. And in March 2026, an 80-year-old pensioner was fined €1,000 for 160 liters of diesel and 40 liters of gasoline in plastic water containers. The Customs Department then warned: transporting fuel in such containers is life-threatening.
Fuel smuggling across the "Green Line" is becoming a systemic problem, and the size of fines continues to grow.
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✈️ Flying from Cyprus to Prague and Barcelona will become easier — TUS Airways expands fleet
Despite regional instability, Cypriot airline TUS Airways is expanding its aircraft fleet. On May 7, a new Airbus A320 arrived at Larnaca Airport. Company chairman Panos Voadzis called this a sign of confidence in the Cypriot aviation market.
Where have they added flights?
The new aircraft allows for more frequent flights on popular routes, as well as opening new ones. Routes to Barcelona and Prague have already been launched, and flights between Cyprus and Israel have also been restored. It is now cheaper and easier to reach these cities.
TUS Airways now has four A320s of the same type, each carrying 180 passengers. The airline operates in the budget segment, focusing on affordable prices and a flexible schedule.
What about competitors?
Cyprus has two passenger carriers.
· TUS Airways — a low-cost carrier, flies to Greece, Israel, and Europe.
· Cyprus Airways — the flagship carrier with business class. They also have four new A220s and two A320s, but due to problems with Pratt & Whitney engines, the company cannot grow as quickly as it would like. They still cannot turn a profit.
While one carrier is stalled, the other is ramping up. For passengers, this means more flights and possibly lower ticket prices. 🎫🌍
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Despite regional instability, Cypriot airline TUS Airways is expanding its aircraft fleet. On May 7, a new Airbus A320 arrived at Larnaca Airport. Company chairman Panos Voadzis called this a sign of confidence in the Cypriot aviation market.
Where have they added flights?
The new aircraft allows for more frequent flights on popular routes, as well as opening new ones. Routes to Barcelona and Prague have already been launched, and flights between Cyprus and Israel have also been restored. It is now cheaper and easier to reach these cities.
TUS Airways now has four A320s of the same type, each carrying 180 passengers. The airline operates in the budget segment, focusing on affordable prices and a flexible schedule.
What about competitors?
Cyprus has two passenger carriers.
· TUS Airways — a low-cost carrier, flies to Greece, Israel, and Europe.
· Cyprus Airways — the flagship carrier with business class. They also have four new A220s and two A320s, but due to problems with Pratt & Whitney engines, the company cannot grow as quickly as it would like. They still cannot turn a profit.
While one carrier is stalled, the other is ramping up. For passengers, this means more flights and possibly lower ticket prices. 🎫🌍
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🔥 25-year-old arsonist arrested in Paphos — he will be sent for psychiatric evaluation
Tonight, around three o'clock, police in Paphos caught a young man who set fire to a barbershop in the Chloraka area. Officers witnessed the man pouring flammable liquid at the entrance and lighting a lighter.
Chase with collisions
When they tried to arrest him, the arsonist got behind the wheel and attempted to flee. During the pursuit, he crashed into police cars twice. He was finally stopped only on Emba Avenue.
Not his first victim
Police suspect that the same person is behind a series of other arsons in the Paphos province:
· May 2 — a cafe in Paphos,
· May 4 — a mini-market in Geroskipou,
· May 5 — a car in Paphos.
After the arrest, the man was taken into custody. Investigators believe he needs to undergo a psychiatric evaluation. The investigation continues. 🚔
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Tonight, around three o'clock, police in Paphos caught a young man who set fire to a barbershop in the Chloraka area. Officers witnessed the man pouring flammable liquid at the entrance and lighting a lighter.
Chase with collisions
When they tried to arrest him, the arsonist got behind the wheel and attempted to flee. During the pursuit, he crashed into police cars twice. He was finally stopped only on Emba Avenue.
Not his first victim
Police suspect that the same person is behind a series of other arsons in the Paphos province:
· May 2 — a cafe in Paphos,
· May 4 — a mini-market in Geroskipou,
· May 5 — a car in Paphos.
After the arrest, the man was taken into custody. Investigators believe he needs to undergo a psychiatric evaluation. The investigation continues. 🚔
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⛪️ Pilgrimage to Armenian monastery Sourp Magar cancelled at the last moment
The authorities of northern Cyprus suddenly banned the annual pilgrimage of the Armenian community to the ancient Sourp Magar monastery in the Kyrenia region. The permit issued in advance was revoked at the last moment. The official explanation is an "administrative error" and the poor condition of the monastery.
What happened?
The application was submitted through the UN mission three months ago. On Saturday, the community was confirmed that the trip would take place. About 70 people signed up for the buses. But on Monday, the refusal came.
Representative of the Armenian community in the Cypriot parliament Vartkes Mahdessian called this decision a serious step backward, especially against the backdrop of the restoration work that has begun at the monastery.
Why is Sourp Magar so important?
The Monastery of Saint Makarios is one of the main spiritual shrines of the Armenians of Cyprus. It was founded around the year 1000. Until 1974, pilgrimages took place annually on the first Sunday of May. After the division of the island, access was sharply restricted, and the tradition was only revived in 2007.
A brief history
Armenians have lived in Cyprus for over 1,400 years. The first major resettlement occurred in 578 AD. But the largest wave came at the beginning of the 20th century, when thousands of Armenians fled the genocide in the Ottoman Empire.
Today, the Armenian community of Cyprus numbers about 3,500–4,000 people. It is one of the three officially recognized religious groups of the republic (along with the Maronites and Latins), having its own representative in parliament.
The authorities of northern Cyprus have proposed considering alternative options for the pilgrimage in the future. But for the faithful, this is little comfort.
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The authorities of northern Cyprus suddenly banned the annual pilgrimage of the Armenian community to the ancient Sourp Magar monastery in the Kyrenia region. The permit issued in advance was revoked at the last moment. The official explanation is an "administrative error" and the poor condition of the monastery.
What happened?
The application was submitted through the UN mission three months ago. On Saturday, the community was confirmed that the trip would take place. About 70 people signed up for the buses. But on Monday, the refusal came.
Representative of the Armenian community in the Cypriot parliament Vartkes Mahdessian called this decision a serious step backward, especially against the backdrop of the restoration work that has begun at the monastery.
Why is Sourp Magar so important?
The Monastery of Saint Makarios is one of the main spiritual shrines of the Armenians of Cyprus. It was founded around the year 1000. Until 1974, pilgrimages took place annually on the first Sunday of May. After the division of the island, access was sharply restricted, and the tradition was only revived in 2007.
A brief history
Armenians have lived in Cyprus for over 1,400 years. The first major resettlement occurred in 578 AD. But the largest wave came at the beginning of the 20th century, when thousands of Armenians fled the genocide in the Ottoman Empire.
Today, the Armenian community of Cyprus numbers about 3,500–4,000 people. It is one of the three officially recognized religious groups of the republic (along with the Maronites and Latins), having its own representative in parliament.
The authorities of northern Cyprus have proposed considering alternative options for the pilgrimage in the future. But for the faithful, this is little comfort.
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🌿 Five environmental organizations send open letter to President Christodoulides
Cyprus's environmental associations are sounding the alarm over the situation on the Akamas peninsula and are demanding protection for Natura 2000 network territories. The letter was signed by Greenpeace Cyprus, BirdLife Cyprus, Terra Cypria, the Cyprus Wildlife Society, Friends of the Earth Cyprus, and the Initiative for the Rescue of Natural Coasts.
Environmentalists are calling on the president to move to concrete actions within the framework of the 2023 Management Programme, which already sets out measures for biodiversity protection and nature conservation.
What are the complaints?
The organizations note significant delays and gaps in the implementation of key environmental decisions. They demand transparency, openness, and accountability on environmental issues of public interest.
The situation in Akamas is of particular concern. According to the environmentalists, both old and new illegal constructions continue to operate there. Unauthorized interventions are being carried out in Natura 2000 territories. All this, in the activists' opinion, indicates serious shortcomings in the application of existing legislation.
What do the environmentalists want?
They insist on strengthening control mechanisms and ensuring strict compliance with laws. It is necessary to stop arbitrariness and the destruction of nature, especially in and near protected areas.
The full text of the letter has been published and is publicly available. Environmentalists expect clear commitments and immediate action from the president.
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Cyprus's environmental associations are sounding the alarm over the situation on the Akamas peninsula and are demanding protection for Natura 2000 network territories. The letter was signed by Greenpeace Cyprus, BirdLife Cyprus, Terra Cypria, the Cyprus Wildlife Society, Friends of the Earth Cyprus, and the Initiative for the Rescue of Natural Coasts.
Environmentalists are calling on the president to move to concrete actions within the framework of the 2023 Management Programme, which already sets out measures for biodiversity protection and nature conservation.
What are the complaints?
The organizations note significant delays and gaps in the implementation of key environmental decisions. They demand transparency, openness, and accountability on environmental issues of public interest.
The situation in Akamas is of particular concern. According to the environmentalists, both old and new illegal constructions continue to operate there. Unauthorized interventions are being carried out in Natura 2000 territories. All this, in the activists' opinion, indicates serious shortcomings in the application of existing legislation.
What do the environmentalists want?
They insist on strengthening control mechanisms and ensuring strict compliance with laws. It is necessary to stop arbitrariness and the destruction of nature, especially in and near protected areas.
The full text of the letter has been published and is publicly available. Environmentalists expect clear commitments and immediate action from the president.
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🎰 Cypriot casinos: locals play slots, tourists choose roulette
Visitors to casinos in Cyprus behave differently depending on age and origin. Local residents most often sit at slot machines (so-called "koulocherides"). Foreigners prefer table games — roulette, blackjack, and poker — and spend significantly more money at them.
Numbers and facts
In 2025, the south of the island operated 1,191 slot machines and 107 tables. Most of the equipment is concentrated at the large Limassol casino resort, with the rest at satellite establishments in Nicosia, Paphos, and Ayia Napa.
Slots generated 53% of total casino revenue, tables — 47%. For comparison: in 2023, the gap was wider (62% vs. 38%), but the share of table games is gradually growing.
Why does it matter that foreigners are the ones playing?
Tourists, especially in Limassol, choose tables where average bets are much higher. It is largely thanks to this that total revenue of the southern casinos in 2025 reached €227 million.
What about the north?
Approximately 33 casinos operate in the occupied territory. They actively attract tourists from Turkey (where gambling is prohibited), as well as visitors from Israel and other countries. The northern casinos pose serious competition to the southern ones, especially after the opening of the large integrated resort in Limassol, which strengthened the south's position in the region. However, the north remains attractive due to its large number of establishments.
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Visitors to casinos in Cyprus behave differently depending on age and origin. Local residents most often sit at slot machines (so-called "koulocherides"). Foreigners prefer table games — roulette, blackjack, and poker — and spend significantly more money at them.
Numbers and facts
In 2025, the south of the island operated 1,191 slot machines and 107 tables. Most of the equipment is concentrated at the large Limassol casino resort, with the rest at satellite establishments in Nicosia, Paphos, and Ayia Napa.
Slots generated 53% of total casino revenue, tables — 47%. For comparison: in 2023, the gap was wider (62% vs. 38%), but the share of table games is gradually growing.
Why does it matter that foreigners are the ones playing?
Tourists, especially in Limassol, choose tables where average bets are much higher. It is largely thanks to this that total revenue of the southern casinos in 2025 reached €227 million.
What about the north?
Approximately 33 casinos operate in the occupied territory. They actively attract tourists from Turkey (where gambling is prohibited), as well as visitors from Israel and other countries. The northern casinos pose serious competition to the southern ones, especially after the opening of the large integrated resort in Limassol, which strengthened the south's position in the region. However, the north remains attractive due to its large number of establishments.
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🐄 Cyprus raises compensation for foot-and-mouth disease: up to €2,500 per cow
The government will allocate over €35.6 million to livestock farmers affected by the foot-and-mouth outbreak. The decision was made by the Council of Ministers. The amounts have increased significantly following negotiations with farmers, who called the initial payments too low.
How much will they pay now?
· For sheep and goats — from €47 to €420 (previously €43–178).
· For cattle — from €150 to €1,500, and in some cases up to €2,500.
For comparison: the EU guidelines are €140 and €1,000 respectively. Cyprus will pay the difference from its own budget to avoid bankrupting the industry. The first payments will begin as early as next week.
What if a farmer wants to restart their operation?
The state will compensate for lost income for at least one year — until the farm returns to its previous production levels. The amount will include salaries, social contributions, and mandatory payments. Livestock will be helped to recover under a separate program. If the market price of a breeding animal turns out to be higher than the compensation for the culled animal, the state will pay the difference. Each farmer will be assigned a personal supervisor to monitor biosecurity.
Will there be new protests?
The head of the Pan-Cypriot Agricultural Union, Michalis Litras, called on farmers to cease street protests. His argument: crowds spread the virus from infected areas to clean ones. Previously, livestock farmers blocked roads and prepared court claims.
As of May 7, over 30,000 livestock have been culled in Cyprus. The government is also urgently addressing the shortage of milk for halloumi — exports are under threat. 🧀⚠️
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The government will allocate over €35.6 million to livestock farmers affected by the foot-and-mouth outbreak. The decision was made by the Council of Ministers. The amounts have increased significantly following negotiations with farmers, who called the initial payments too low.
How much will they pay now?
· For sheep and goats — from €47 to €420 (previously €43–178).
· For cattle — from €150 to €1,500, and in some cases up to €2,500.
For comparison: the EU guidelines are €140 and €1,000 respectively. Cyprus will pay the difference from its own budget to avoid bankrupting the industry. The first payments will begin as early as next week.
What if a farmer wants to restart their operation?
The state will compensate for lost income for at least one year — until the farm returns to its previous production levels. The amount will include salaries, social contributions, and mandatory payments. Livestock will be helped to recover under a separate program. If the market price of a breeding animal turns out to be higher than the compensation for the culled animal, the state will pay the difference. Each farmer will be assigned a personal supervisor to monitor biosecurity.
Will there be new protests?
The head of the Pan-Cypriot Agricultural Union, Michalis Litras, called on farmers to cease street protests. His argument: crowds spread the virus from infected areas to clean ones. Previously, livestock farmers blocked roads and prepared court claims.
As of May 7, over 30,000 livestock have been culled in Cyprus. The government is also urgently addressing the shortage of milk for halloumi — exports are under threat. 🧀⚠️
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🤖 Cyprus agrees to simplify European rules for working with AI
Negotiations in Brussels, which began on the evening of May 6, concluded on the morning of May 7. Cyprus, as President of the EU Council, together with European Parliament negotiators, agreed to simplify the implementation of the Artificial Intelligence Act. This is the first concrete achievement within the "One Europe, One Market" roadmap.
What exactly is changing?
The agreement is part of the "Omnibus VII" legislative package and aims to reduce the bureaucratic burden on businesses. Companies will now have more time to prepare:
· for standalone high-risk AI systems — until December 2, 2027,
· for high-risk systems embedded in products — until August 2, 2028.
The original deadline was August 2, 2026, meaning a delay of one to two years.
It was also agreed to reduce the transition period for labeling AI-generated content from six to three months (new deadline — December 2, 2026), to postpone the establishment of national regulators until August 2, 2027, and to clarify the powers of the AI Office.
A direct ban has been added to the AI law on creating non-consensual sexual content and material with child sexual abuse.
Why is this important for Cyprus?
The island is among seven EU states where "AI Factories" (AI Factory Antennas) will be established. This is a joint project of the European Commission and EuroHPC. The centers will provide remote access to supercomputers optimized for AI. Alongside Cyprus on the list are Belgium, Hungary, Ireland, Latvia, Malta, and Slovakia, as well as partner countries.
Simplifying the rules is a practical step for the island: local businesses and the future AI center will receive clearer rules and more preparation time.
What are the authorities saying?
Deputy Minister for European Affairs Marilena Raouna called the agreement proof that European institutions can act quickly. According to her, this strengthens the EU's digital sovereignty and enhances the protection of children from AI-related risks. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated that a "simple and innovation-friendly environment" is being created.
The preliminary agreement must still be formally approved by the EU Council and the European Parliament, followed by legal-linguistic processing. But the first step has been taken. 🚀
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Negotiations in Brussels, which began on the evening of May 6, concluded on the morning of May 7. Cyprus, as President of the EU Council, together with European Parliament negotiators, agreed to simplify the implementation of the Artificial Intelligence Act. This is the first concrete achievement within the "One Europe, One Market" roadmap.
What exactly is changing?
The agreement is part of the "Omnibus VII" legislative package and aims to reduce the bureaucratic burden on businesses. Companies will now have more time to prepare:
· for standalone high-risk AI systems — until December 2, 2027,
· for high-risk systems embedded in products — until August 2, 2028.
The original deadline was August 2, 2026, meaning a delay of one to two years.
It was also agreed to reduce the transition period for labeling AI-generated content from six to three months (new deadline — December 2, 2026), to postpone the establishment of national regulators until August 2, 2027, and to clarify the powers of the AI Office.
A direct ban has been added to the AI law on creating non-consensual sexual content and material with child sexual abuse.
Why is this important for Cyprus?
The island is among seven EU states where "AI Factories" (AI Factory Antennas) will be established. This is a joint project of the European Commission and EuroHPC. The centers will provide remote access to supercomputers optimized for AI. Alongside Cyprus on the list are Belgium, Hungary, Ireland, Latvia, Malta, and Slovakia, as well as partner countries.
Simplifying the rules is a practical step for the island: local businesses and the future AI center will receive clearer rules and more preparation time.
What are the authorities saying?
Deputy Minister for European Affairs Marilena Raouna called the agreement proof that European institutions can act quickly. According to her, this strengthens the EU's digital sovereignty and enhances the protection of children from AI-related risks. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated that a "simple and innovation-friendly environment" is being created.
The preliminary agreement must still be formally approved by the EU Council and the European Parliament, followed by legal-linguistic processing. But the first step has been taken. 🚀
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🏛️ Supreme Court denies man free legal aid — he broke into the Ministry of Health and hit an employee
The Supreme Court of Cyprus rejected a man's request for free legal aid. He wanted to appeal his arrest warrant. However, the court ruled that the free legal aid law does not cover such cases.
What happened?
The man was arrested on February 6, 2026, at Larnaca Airport. The warrant had been issued a week earlier. The reason — an assault on an employee of the Ministry of Health that occurred on June 12, 2025.
According to the prosecution, the man came to the ministry demanding immediate payment of money for a medical operation he had undergone abroad. When the employee tried to explain the procedure and asked him to stop his daily visits, he began yelling and insulting staff and management. Witnesses say he dropped to his knees, fell onto a couch, then suddenly jumped up and punched the woman in the chest.
What does the defendant say?
He denies all charges, calling them fabrications. He claims his blood pressure spiked and cites serious health issues: an aortic aneurysm, skull fractures. He also complains of human rights violations and police rudeness.
Why did the court refuse?
The judge explained: the free legal aid law does not cover habeas corpus proceedings for challenging arrest warrants. These are not criminal cases per se, but administrative procedures. The man also did not apply to social services under the law. Therefore, aid was denied. ⚖️
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The Supreme Court of Cyprus rejected a man's request for free legal aid. He wanted to appeal his arrest warrant. However, the court ruled that the free legal aid law does not cover such cases.
What happened?
The man was arrested on February 6, 2026, at Larnaca Airport. The warrant had been issued a week earlier. The reason — an assault on an employee of the Ministry of Health that occurred on June 12, 2025.
According to the prosecution, the man came to the ministry demanding immediate payment of money for a medical operation he had undergone abroad. When the employee tried to explain the procedure and asked him to stop his daily visits, he began yelling and insulting staff and management. Witnesses say he dropped to his knees, fell onto a couch, then suddenly jumped up and punched the woman in the chest.
What does the defendant say?
He denies all charges, calling them fabrications. He claims his blood pressure spiked and cites serious health issues: an aortic aneurysm, skull fractures. He also complains of human rights violations and police rudeness.
Why did the court refuse?
The judge explained: the free legal aid law does not cover habeas corpus proceedings for challenging arrest warrants. These are not criminal cases per se, but administrative procedures. The man also did not apply to social services under the law. Therefore, aid was denied. ⚖️
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🏳️🌈 Conflict between ELAM and LGBTQ+ activists over election billboard
A new scandal has erupted in Cyprus between the right-wing party ELAM and the organization Accept LGBTI. The cause — the party's election billboard with the slogan: "No to same-sex marriage and adoption of children by same-sex couples. Cyprus comes first."
What is the complaint?
Accept LGBTI activists have filed a complaint with the Commissioner for Children's Rights and the Strovolos municipality. They are outraged that the billboard was placed in an area where seven schools are located nearby. Children aged 7 to 18 see this slogan every day on their way to school.
What did ELAM say?
The party's press spokesman, Marios Pelekanos, stated that attempts to ban the billboard are suppression of free speech. According to him, no one has the right to decide who gets to speak and who does not.
"Democracy does not work the way someone alone thinks it should. Different points of view are not suppressed. We do not need a dictatorship of the minority," an ELAM representative said. He also emphasized that both children and those who hold traditional views have rights.
The essence of the dispute
Same-sex marriage has been legal in Cyprus since February 2026. However, the issue of adoption of children by same-sex couples remains contentious and sparks heated public debate. Elections are approaching, and parties are actively using this issue in their campaigning. It seems that conflicts on this front will only intensify. 🗳️⚡
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A new scandal has erupted in Cyprus between the right-wing party ELAM and the organization Accept LGBTI. The cause — the party's election billboard with the slogan: "No to same-sex marriage and adoption of children by same-sex couples. Cyprus comes first."
What is the complaint?
Accept LGBTI activists have filed a complaint with the Commissioner for Children's Rights and the Strovolos municipality. They are outraged that the billboard was placed in an area where seven schools are located nearby. Children aged 7 to 18 see this slogan every day on their way to school.
What did ELAM say?
The party's press spokesman, Marios Pelekanos, stated that attempts to ban the billboard are suppression of free speech. According to him, no one has the right to decide who gets to speak and who does not.
"Democracy does not work the way someone alone thinks it should. Different points of view are not suppressed. We do not need a dictatorship of the minority," an ELAM representative said. He also emphasized that both children and those who hold traditional views have rights.
The essence of the dispute
Same-sex marriage has been legal in Cyprus since February 2026. However, the issue of adoption of children by same-sex couples remains contentious and sparks heated public debate. Elections are approaching, and parties are actively using this issue in their campaigning. It seems that conflicts on this front will only intensify. 🗳️⚡
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📄 Nine Bangladeshi nationals detained in Famagusta for forging rental contracts
The Famagusta district police have arrested nine individuals from Bangladesh. They are suspected of producing and selling fake rental agreements. The documents, featuring forged seals of the Republic of Cyprus, were presented to the Migration Department in order to obtain student residence permits. Without a valid rental contract, applications are simply not accepted.
How much did a fake contract cost?
Between €100 and €250. For this money, clients received a document that allowed them to legalize their stay on the island. The investigation has already identified at least ten cases where such documents were used by students at Cypriot colleges.
What did the court decide?
The Famagusta District Court filed the case on April 28. All nine defendants have been remanded in custody until the trial begins. The next hearing is scheduled for May 15, 2026.
Why is this important?
A rental contract is a mandatory document for students from non-EU countries. Without it, applications are not accepted, even if applicants have a college certificate, insurance, and a bank guarantee of €800. The demand for fakes among foreign students is huge.
The problem is broader
Fraud in the rental market in Cyprus has increased. Since 2023, the Council for the Registration of Real Estate Agents has filed approximately 565 criminal complaints against illegal intermediaries. Students have also been criticized recently for their casual attitude toward studies and their actual place of residence. Now, authorities are going after those who help them circumvent the law. 🏛️🔍
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The Famagusta district police have arrested nine individuals from Bangladesh. They are suspected of producing and selling fake rental agreements. The documents, featuring forged seals of the Republic of Cyprus, were presented to the Migration Department in order to obtain student residence permits. Without a valid rental contract, applications are simply not accepted.
How much did a fake contract cost?
Between €100 and €250. For this money, clients received a document that allowed them to legalize their stay on the island. The investigation has already identified at least ten cases where such documents were used by students at Cypriot colleges.
What did the court decide?
The Famagusta District Court filed the case on April 28. All nine defendants have been remanded in custody until the trial begins. The next hearing is scheduled for May 15, 2026.
Why is this important?
A rental contract is a mandatory document for students from non-EU countries. Without it, applications are not accepted, even if applicants have a college certificate, insurance, and a bank guarantee of €800. The demand for fakes among foreign students is huge.
The problem is broader
Fraud in the rental market in Cyprus has increased. Since 2023, the Council for the Registration of Real Estate Agents has filed approximately 565 criminal complaints against illegal intermediaries. Students have also been criticized recently for their casual attitude toward studies and their actual place of residence. Now, authorities are going after those who help them circumvent the law. 🏛️🔍
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🔥 EU firefighting center in Cyprus will be operational soon — the building is ready
The building of the EU Regional Firefighting Center (CRAFS) at Andreas Papandreou Air Base in Paphos has been completed, announced Civil Defense spokesman Panayiotis Liasidis. The facility will soon be presented to the competent authorities. The center will serve not only Cyprus but the entire Eastern Mediterranean region.
What is happening now?
This week, Paphos is hosting the 3rd Euro-Mediterranean High-Level Seminar on Fire Risks. The event is organized under the Cypriot presidency of the EU Council. Over 110 delegates from EU countries, the Mediterranean region, and nearby states are participating. The main goal is to strengthen cooperation and coordination.
Thanks to Cyprus's geographical position, aircraft stationed at the center will be able to respond quickly to fires in neighboring regions. After the seminar, participants will visit the CRAFS center to see the progress.
When will it open?
An exact date has not yet been set. It will depend on the schedule of the President of the European Commission and the President of the Republic of Cyprus.
Preparations for the fire season
Liasidis also reported that by mid-April, all evacuation plans for every municipality in Cyprus had been updated. Civil Defense personnel visited all settlements, met with local authorities, and took into account the specific features of each region.
Five exercises are scheduled for May — one in each province. Another five will take place in June. On some days, exercises will be held simultaneously in three provinces.
The goal is to identify possible difficulties, assess the readiness of services, and explain to people how to act in an emergency. Civil Defense reminds: evacuation is part of everyday preparedness. Residents must know that in case of danger, they must follow authorities' instructions without question, even if they have to leave their homes for just a few hours. 🚒🌍
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The building of the EU Regional Firefighting Center (CRAFS) at Andreas Papandreou Air Base in Paphos has been completed, announced Civil Defense spokesman Panayiotis Liasidis. The facility will soon be presented to the competent authorities. The center will serve not only Cyprus but the entire Eastern Mediterranean region.
What is happening now?
This week, Paphos is hosting the 3rd Euro-Mediterranean High-Level Seminar on Fire Risks. The event is organized under the Cypriot presidency of the EU Council. Over 110 delegates from EU countries, the Mediterranean region, and nearby states are participating. The main goal is to strengthen cooperation and coordination.
Thanks to Cyprus's geographical position, aircraft stationed at the center will be able to respond quickly to fires in neighboring regions. After the seminar, participants will visit the CRAFS center to see the progress.
When will it open?
An exact date has not yet been set. It will depend on the schedule of the President of the European Commission and the President of the Republic of Cyprus.
Preparations for the fire season
Liasidis also reported that by mid-April, all evacuation plans for every municipality in Cyprus had been updated. Civil Defense personnel visited all settlements, met with local authorities, and took into account the specific features of each region.
Five exercises are scheduled for May — one in each province. Another five will take place in June. On some days, exercises will be held simultaneously in three provinces.
The goal is to identify possible difficulties, assess the readiness of services, and explain to people how to act in an emergency. Civil Defense reminds: evacuation is part of everyday preparedness. Residents must know that in case of danger, they must follow authorities' instructions without question, even if they have to leave their homes for just a few hours. 🚒🌍
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🖼️ Digital religious tourism project in Cyprus receives European recognition
The program "Religious Tourism — Pilgrimage Routes in Larnaca Province," developed by the Holy Metropolis of Trimythounta, has been recognized at the EU level as an example of good practice. The project was presented on the EU CAP Network platform, which focuses on rural development and innovation.
What is this project?
It is a digital platform with an interactive map in Russian and English. It includes information on 65 churches and over 500 church relics, some of which are more than 800 years old. Many of these sites are virtually unknown outside Cyprus. The website contains over 2,200 photos of churches and shrines — icons, frescoes, and liturgical objects.
Using QR codes, visitors can instantly access information on-site. Ten thematic pilgrimage routes have also been developed.
Who implemented it?
The project was carried out under the rural LEADER program (2014–2020). The lead partner is the Holy Metropolis of Trimythounta. They were joined by the Women's Club of the Rural Areas of Larnaca and the Larnaca – Famagusta Development Company.
Why is it needed?
The goal is to preserve and promote the Christian heritage of Larnaca province, attract tourists to rural areas, and showcase the island's spiritual richness. The organizers emphasize that religious tourism could become an important driver for the development of local communities.
The project is already being hailed as an example of successful cooperation between the church, academics, and local authorities. 🙏📸
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The program "Religious Tourism — Pilgrimage Routes in Larnaca Province," developed by the Holy Metropolis of Trimythounta, has been recognized at the EU level as an example of good practice. The project was presented on the EU CAP Network platform, which focuses on rural development and innovation.
What is this project?
It is a digital platform with an interactive map in Russian and English. It includes information on 65 churches and over 500 church relics, some of which are more than 800 years old. Many of these sites are virtually unknown outside Cyprus. The website contains over 2,200 photos of churches and shrines — icons, frescoes, and liturgical objects.
Using QR codes, visitors can instantly access information on-site. Ten thematic pilgrimage routes have also been developed.
Who implemented it?
The project was carried out under the rural LEADER program (2014–2020). The lead partner is the Holy Metropolis of Trimythounta. They were joined by the Women's Club of the Rural Areas of Larnaca and the Larnaca – Famagusta Development Company.
Why is it needed?
The goal is to preserve and promote the Christian heritage of Larnaca province, attract tourists to rural areas, and showcase the island's spiritual richness. The organizers emphasize that religious tourism could become an important driver for the development of local communities.
The project is already being hailed as an example of successful cooperation between the church, academics, and local authorities. 🙏📸
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🇪🇺 Cyprus to celebrate Europe Day on May 9: concerts, parades, and Beethoven in the mountains
On Saturday, May 9, Cyprus will join in celebrating Europe Day. Festivities will take place in several cities under the auspices of the Cypriot presidency of the EU Council. The main event is a concert by the Athens Philharmonic Orchestra, which will be watched by over a billion viewers worldwide.
What, where, and when?
The celebration will begin on Friday, May 8, with a diplomatic reception at the House of Europe in Nicosia. Deputy Minister for European Affairs Marilena Raouna will speak on behalf of the president. Then on Saturday at 9:00 AM, the EU flag will be raised at Eleftheria Square.
The main events will take place in Larnaca — a city recently named the European Capital of Culture 2030. On the Finikoudes promenade starting at 5:00 PM, booths of organizations and embassies will be set up. At 6:00 PM, a parade of the children's philharmonic orchestra will take place, followed by a photo exhibition "Diving into Marine Sciences." At 7:30 PM, a video message from the President of the European Parliament will be shown, followed by performances from a children's choir and musicians.
In Limassol, at TEPAK University Square from 11:00 AM to 8:30 PM, the For You(th) youth festival will be held with workshops, mental health lectures, and spaces for young entrepreneurs.
Main event of the evening
The culmination is a concert by the Athens Philharmonic Orchestra in the Platres forest. The musicians will perform Beethoven's 9th Symphony, which is the anthem of the European Union. The broadcast via the European Broadcasting Union will be watched by over a billion viewers.
Europe Day has been celebrated since 1985 in memory of the Schuman Declaration of May 9, 1950, when the French foreign minister proposed creating the European Coal and Steel Community — the beginning of modern European integration. Cyprus has celebrated this date since 2004, the year of its accession to the EU. 🎶🇪🇺
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On Saturday, May 9, Cyprus will join in celebrating Europe Day. Festivities will take place in several cities under the auspices of the Cypriot presidency of the EU Council. The main event is a concert by the Athens Philharmonic Orchestra, which will be watched by over a billion viewers worldwide.
What, where, and when?
The celebration will begin on Friday, May 8, with a diplomatic reception at the House of Europe in Nicosia. Deputy Minister for European Affairs Marilena Raouna will speak on behalf of the president. Then on Saturday at 9:00 AM, the EU flag will be raised at Eleftheria Square.
The main events will take place in Larnaca — a city recently named the European Capital of Culture 2030. On the Finikoudes promenade starting at 5:00 PM, booths of organizations and embassies will be set up. At 6:00 PM, a parade of the children's philharmonic orchestra will take place, followed by a photo exhibition "Diving into Marine Sciences." At 7:30 PM, a video message from the President of the European Parliament will be shown, followed by performances from a children's choir and musicians.
In Limassol, at TEPAK University Square from 11:00 AM to 8:30 PM, the For You(th) youth festival will be held with workshops, mental health lectures, and spaces for young entrepreneurs.
Main event of the evening
The culmination is a concert by the Athens Philharmonic Orchestra in the Platres forest. The musicians will perform Beethoven's 9th Symphony, which is the anthem of the European Union. The broadcast via the European Broadcasting Union will be watched by over a billion viewers.
Europe Day has been celebrated since 1985 in memory of the Schuman Declaration of May 9, 1950, when the French foreign minister proposed creating the European Coal and Steel Community — the beginning of modern European integration. Cyprus has celebrated this date since 2004, the year of its accession to the EU. 🎶🇪🇺
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