Tourists flock to Cyprus, a sunsoaked island known for its stunning beaches and rich history, but not everyone leaves with a smile. Many, like Lotta from Finland, feel disillusioned by overcrowded spaces, aggressive selling, and environmental litter, leaving them to wonder if the idyllic paradise promised in brochures truly exists.
A 27yearold Syrian man was sentenced to two months in prison for falsely claiming a pregnant woman and her two children as his family while attempting to cross the Green Line in Cyprus. The incident took place near the historic Ledra Palace hotel in Nicosia on August 25, ultimately leading to the woman’s repatriation to Turkey with her children after serving a 12day sentence.
Israeli developer Simon Mistriel Aykut is set to face trial in Cyprus on September 27 for 124 charges relating to the development and sale of properties valued at €43 million on disputed Greek Cypriot land, highlighting the island’s fraught property ownership issues. His case, which has drawn international attention, underscores the complex political tensions between Greek and Turkish Cypriots as the trial approaches.
Ersin Tatar, the Turkish Cypriot leader, is under fire for his demands for direct trade, flights, and contact, which critics argue are damaging the international standing of the Turkish Cypriot community. Former leader Mehmet Ali Talat warns that these “Three Ds” complicate negotiations and may hinder progress by challenging established legal and diplomatic norms, casting doubt on their necessity.
The new academic year in Cyprus has kicked off with a vibrant wave of 51,590 students and 5,044 teachers filling 329 public schools, while 13,117 eager preschoolers began their journey in 274 nursery schools. Education Minister Athena Michaelidou reaffirmed the government’s commitment to equal access for all children, emphasizing the importance of community support in fostering a brighter future for every young learner across the island.
Cypriot cattle breeders are furious over the EU’s €39.5 million aid to the Turkish Cypriot sector, claiming it unfairly boosts halloumi production in the occupied areas while disadvantaging Greek Cypriot producers facing stricter regulations. They demand equitable treatment across the island, arguing that this financial support threatens their livelihoods and the stability of the Republic of Cyprus’s economy.
The Great Sea Interconnector (GSI) project, set to link Cyprus to Europe, has been confirmed as both technically and financially viable, with a projected cost of €2 billion and substantial EU support. Former finance minister Harris Georgiades emphasizes its importance for energy security and consumer savings, particularly as Cyprus faces growing energy demands amid shifting trends toward electric vehicles and renewable sources.
In the coastal city of Limassol, a young man was brutally assaulted in a homophobic attack outside a nightclub, prompting authorities to issue an arrest warrant for the security guard responsible. The incident has ignited a strong response from the local LGBTI community and advocacy groups, calling for increased safety measures and a united front against intolerance.
Three monks from the Osiou Avakoum monastery are embroiled in a shocking scandal involving allegations of financial and sexual misconduct, including videos capturing illicit acts within the monastery. As they face an ecclesiastical court without legal representation, the case raises urgent questions about the balance between religious authority and secular justice, captivating both the faithful and the broader public.
Police in Limassol are urgently searching for a 21yearold man accused of threatening to kill a 26yearold during a car ride, with chilling plans discussed to take the victim to a remote location. Authorities have issued an arrest warrant and are calling on the public to report any information to help capture the suspect and ensure community safety.
