Pafos Live 7 July 2026
The Police arrested two people, 29 and 21 years old, yesterday, as part of an investigation into a case involving illegal possession of drugs for the purpose of supplying and laundering money from illegal activities.
Specifically, members of the Anti-Drug Service (YKAN), after evaluating information, stopped a vehicle in which the two persons were riding yesterday late afternoon in Kato Paphos.
After an investigation carried out by the members of the Police, 3g of Cannabis, 0.5 methamphetamine and the sum of €700 were found in their possession and they were arrested for flagrant offenses.
In a subsequent search of the home of the two persons, the following were also found and confiscated: 1g of cocaine, 10g of methamphetamine, 73 tablets of Captagon, 197g of Cannabis and the sum of €4250.
The arrested are expected to be brought before the Paphos District Court today for the issuance of a detention order.
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The Police arrested a 33-year-old man yesterday to facilitate investigations regarding an investigated case of attempted robbery at a jewelry store in Larnaca.
As part of the investigation of the case, after evaluating relevant information, a search was carried out pursuant to a court warrant in the apartment of the 33-year-old, in Larnaca. During the search, a number of cartridges, an air gun, for which the 33-year-old did not have a possession permit and other evidence were found.
An arrest warrant was obtained against the 33-year-old under which he was arrested, to facilitate investigations regarding the offenses of attempted robbery, illegal possession of an assault firearm causing actual bodily harm and carrying a weapon to incite terror. A second person is wanted.
The arrested man is expected to appear today before the Larnaca District Court for the issuance of a detention order.
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An explosive device was detonated, around 03:30 in the early hours of Tuesday, outside the boîte of EDON Limassol, which operates as a restaurant and houses the cultural group "To Steki", in the center of Limassol, with the Police having cordoned off the scene and conducting examinations.
As stated by the Assistant Police Director of Limassol, Lefteris Kyriacou, immediately after the information received by the Police, "patrols of ADE and TAE Limassol cordoned off the scene and from the on-site examinations it became clear that the explosion was due to the detonation of an improvised metal explosive object, which consisted of a low-power explosive".
"The examinations continue with the first light of day, where testimony is sought in relation to the perpetrators, but testimonies are also taken to determine the motives behind this criminal act," he added.
He also stated that the premises recently changed managers, from whom statements have been taken, which are being evaluated, while all possibilities for the motives of the perpetrators remain open.
Asked about this, Mr. Kyriakou said that this particular premises was open on some days of the week and yesterday it was closed.
The presence and action of the Police last night was intense, throughout Cyprus, with organized patrols in key points of urban areas, with the aim of preventing serious criminal acts, ensuring public order and increasing the sense of security of the public.
As a result of the preventive police operations, nine persons were arrested for various offenses, such as theft, theft, illegal possession of drugs, illegal stay in the Republic, etc.
As part of these operations, during the night, 602 drivers and 139 passengers were stopped and checked. At the same time, 40 inspections were carried out in premises with the aim of dealing with phenomena of delinquency, during which a complaint was made.
During traffic checks carried out, 249 complaints were made, concerning various traffic violations, while 10 investigated cases of traffic violations also emerged.
Of the complaints made, 92 concerned exceeding the speed limit, while as part of the police examinations, 4 vehicles were detained. 58 alcohol tests were carried out, from which no complaint emerged, as well as 5 preliminary drug tests with 1 positive result.
Policing operations, for the prevention and suppression of crime, continue daily, with an increased/enhanced police presence, targeted controls and immediate operational action, with the aim of increasing the sense of security of citizens/protecting citizens and ensuring public order.
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A serious incident took place on Monday night, in the area of Kolonaki in Germasogeia, where a group of young people allegedly set fire to vehicle tyres that had been placed in the middle of a roundabout.
According to information and videos from the RoadReportCY page, the incident occurred around 10:25 in the evening. The young people allegedly collected tyres on the road, threw flammable liquid and then set them on fire.
A testimony of a driver who was in the area states that he saw about ten young people gathering the tyres and pouring liquid on them. Passers-by at the scene immediately informed the Police.
A video from the scene records the arrival of members of the Police and the Fire Service. Upon the arrival of the police, the young people fled in different directions, with members of the force chasing them through the surrounding streets.
The Fire Service proceeded to extinguish the fire and take measures for the safety of passing drivers, while it has not been clarified whether any arrests were made.
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An operation was carried out yesterday afternoon by members of the MMAD in Polis Chrysochous, in order to disarm a 31-year-old man who remained inside the residence where he lives holding a knife and threatening his relatives who were inside the house. The operation was finally completed with the successful intervention of the men of the unit, since the negotiations that were taking place to persuade him to leave did not bring results.
According to the Police, this is a foreigner for whom a decree of compulsory hospitalization was issued at the psychiatric clinic of Athalassa. The decree was allegedly secured by the court at the request of his relatives.
Yesterday afternoon, information was received by the Police that the 31-year-old was inside his residence holding a knife, displaying aggressive behaviour and refusing any conversation with other persons. On the spot, a force of MMAD was called and rushed in order to disarm the man and execute the court warrant for hospitalization.
The 31-year-old refused to cooperate with the members of the force and locked himself in a room of the residence holding the knife. The arrival of a special negotiator of the Police on the scene did not bring any results either, so in the evening it was decided that the members of the MMAD should take action to neutralize the risk to the other tenants.
Members of the special force managed to enter the house and disarm the 31-year-old before taking any action. He was then transferred to Nicosia to execute the court order of his compulsory hospitalization.
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The Decision of the Court of Appeal of Aix-en-Provence, France, dated July 1, 2026, to accept the request for the execution of a European Arrest Warrant, issued by the authorities of the Republic of Cyprus, against a Lithuanian citizen, in relation to the usurpation of Greek Cypriot property in the occupied areas of the Republic, is considered extremely important.
According to the Legal Service, the suspect was arrested in France on May 16, 2026, as part of a criminal case. For a case of the same nature, the exact same Court of Appeal had previously decided on December 10, 2025 to reject the execution of a corresponding European Arrest Warrant issued by the authorities of the Republic of Cyprus against an Iranian citizen, suspected of possibly committing criminal offenses related again to the usurpation of Greek Cypriot properties in the occupied territories.
This very positive development is the result of a coordinated and intensive effort by a large group of legal officers of the Legal Service of the Republic, consisting of officials of the International Law Sector, the Criminal Law Sector and the Fugitive Justice Sector, under the guidance of the Attorney General of the Republic and the Assistant Attorney General of the Republic, together with the competent Ministry of Justice and Public Order, in cooperation with the competent Public Prosecutor's Offices of France, on the basis of the principle of mutual trust which is fundamental in the context of judicial cooperation between EU Member States for the effective implementation of the framework of the European Arrest Warrant.
In particular, the Republic of Cyprus, following a request to the French Court, was authorized to participate - through Lawyers appointed by the Attorney General of the Republic - in the proceedings before the Court of Appeal. In this context, the Republic of Cyprus has developed its legal positions on the correct interpretation of Protocol no. 10 in the Act of Accession of the Republic of Cyprus to the European Union, on the basis of the case law of the Court of Justice of the European Union and the implementation of the institutional framework for the execution of European Arrest Warrants with regard to the specific offences of embezzlement committed in the occupied territories.
These actions had the effect of completely overturning the reasoning of the decision of 10 December 2025, issued by the same French Court of Appeal in an application for the execution of a European Arrest Warrant against the Iranian national, with the French Court of Appeal, in the present case, ruling that the fact that the offences under investigation were committed in areas of the Republic of Cyprus where the Government does not exercise effective control, does not exclude the application of the European acquis or prevent the execution of a European Arrest Warrant issued by a competent Court of the Republic of Cyprus.
He also stressed that the suspension of the implementation of the European acquis in the occupied territories under Protocol no. Article 10 of the Act of Accession of the Republic of Cyprus to the European Union must be interpreted strictly and does not exclude the application of Union law in relation to decisions of Cypriot courts relating to offences against immovable property in the occupied areas.
Furthermore, the French Court of Appeal underlined that the so-called "TRNC" in the occupied territories is the result of a serious violation of international law, which prohibits the use of force and the acquisition of territory by force. Therefore, there is an obligation not to recognize this illegal situation, as well as to refrain from any action that would contribute to its maintenance.
This decision confirms the correct interpretation and application of EU law in relation to the jurisdiction of the Republic of Cyprus with regard to offences committed in the occupied territories, as well as the adherence to the fundamental principles of international law, with full respect for the sovereignty, territorial integrity and internationally recognized jurisdiction of the Republic of Cyprus on its territory, and corrects the previous erroneous approach of the French Court of Appeal.
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Another person wanted for the serious incidents of January 17 in the center of Larnaca was arrested by the Police. This is a 33-year-old man, who was referred on Monday to the Permanent Criminal Court of Larnaca to be added to the indictment along with the five already accused, while two more persons are still wanted for the same case.
It is recalled that at the previous hearing, the other five defendants responded not to admit to the charges they face for the incidents of January 17 in Larnaca.
The accused are a 20-year-old young man, two 26-year-olds, 32 years old, 33 years old and 48 years old.
Two other people, aged 26 and 27, are wanted for the case.
The defendants face charges such as conspiracy to commit a felony, illegal possession and transportation of a firearm, illegal possession of explosives, extortion, demanding property with threats, participation in a criminal organization, assault causing actual bodily harm.
The next hearing date was set for September 28.
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The fourth 18-year-old, who was allegedly involved in the fight that caused the critical injury of the 47-year-old Turkish Cypriot in Ayia Napa in the early hours of the morning, was also detained by the Famagusta District Court in Paralimni. He is a tourist, also with a Swedish passport and originally from Chile, who was arrested on Monday afternoon at Larnaca airport, shortly before leaving for his country. It is noted that the condition of the 47-year-old, according to information from the Police, remains critical. The injured man is intubated and is being treated in the Intensive Care Unit of the Nicosia General Hospital.
The Famagusta Police Department has arrested all 4 young men who can be seen on video arguing with the 47-year-old outside a well-known nightclub in Ayia Napa. The video recorded the Turkish Cypriot arguing with the four and then receiving a punch, falling to the ground and hitting the head. According to information from filenews from police sources, the person who punched the 47-year-old has been identified and when a case is registered before the Court he is expected to face more serious charges than the rest.
It is recalled that the 47-year-old was in a restaurant with a friend and at some point, shortly after 5 am on Sunday, according to police sources, they separated. This was followed by the fight, which took place outside a well-known nightclub on Agias Mavris Street. The Police were informed about the incident at 6 in the morning and its members who rushed to the scene found the 47-year-old injured.
The injured man was taken to the General Hospital of Famagusta, where he was found to have a cerebral haemorrhage and suffered a fractured skull. Due to the seriousness of his condition, he was intubated and taken to Nicosia General Hospital.
After examinations, the Famagusta Police Department proceeded in the early hours of Monday to arrest the first three 18-year-olds, with Swedish passports, originally from Chile, Albania and Iraq. The three were brought before the court yesterday, which ordered their eight-day detention.
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Cypriot lawyer Petros Papadopoulos filed a lawsuit against Facebook and Instagram before the Limassol District Court.
According to him, lawsuit no. 717/2026 was essentially filed against Meta Platforms Ireland Limited, focusing on the role of large digital platforms in modern political communication.
As Mr. Papadopoulos explains, the case concerns how Meta's policies - in particular Facebook and Instagram - to ban political and election ads in the European Union, combined with the operation of algorithmic content ranking systems, affect the visibility and dissemination of political views.
According to the lawsuit, these practices have the effect of substantially limiting the possibility of political communication through the Facebook and Instagram platforms, which are now key means of public debate.
The applicant, who is active in the public and political sphere and intends to participate in electoral processes in the future, submits that the reduced organic impact of its content, combined with the lack of transparency in algorithmic mechanisms, substantially affects its ability to communicate political messages to the public.
At the same time, the case examines the cumulative effect of the prohibition of political ads and the operation of algorithmic mechanisms on broader political expression. According to the lawsuit, the combination of these factors leads to a substantial limitation of the available tools of political communication, affecting not only professional or organized political bodies, but also independent political active persons.
Particular emphasis is placed on the fact that the defendant's platforms have evolved into a basic infrastructure for public dialogue, where much of the political debate, information and social interaction takes place. In this light, as noted, issues are raised concerning the institutional dimension of the influence of large technology companies on the democratic process.
The case highlights critical issues surrounding freedom of expression, the accountability of digital platforms, and their role as de facto infrastructures of political communication in modern democracy.
The proceedings are in their initial stage before the Limassol District Court and in particular the service of Mr. Papadopoulos' claim form to the defendant company Meta Platforms Ireland Limited is pending. This may prove difficult, due to the cross-border nature of the case.
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The detention process of the 33-year-old Israeli, who is alleged to be one of the perpetrators of the attempted robbery at a jewellery store in the Drosia area of Larnaca yesterday morning, was interrupted. During his detention, his lawyer, Adriana Klaidi, argued that he has health problems due to drug use. So the court ordered that the detention process be interrupted and resumed tomorrow.
It is recalled that the suspect was arrested yesterday afternoon when, after utilizing information, members of the Larnaca TAE located in an apartment building in the area of Larnaca a vehicle of the same type, make and color and with specific characteristics carried by the perpetrators' vehicle during the robbery attempt. Subsequently, the responsible driver of the specific vehicle was located, who was found to be the 33-year-old.
In a search carried out inside the house of the person in question, two full rifle cartridges and a machine gun were found and received as evidence and he was arrested for a flagrante delicto. Also, in this particular house, other evidence was located and received which seems to have been in the possession of the perpetrator during the attempted robbery An arrest warrant was issued against the 33-year-old for the offenses of conspiracy to commit a felony, attempted robbery, illegal possession of a firearm, assault causing actual bodily harm and carrying a weapon to incite terror and he was arrested. For the same case, another person, with a European passport, is wanted, against whom an arrest warrant has also been issued.
The attempted robbery was reported to the Larnaca Police Department at 9 yesterday morning. According to the complaint, an unknown man entered the goldsmith's shop and pointed a pistol at the 73-year-old owner. He was wearing a black long-sleeved jersey and a food delivery company vest, while he had his head covered with a black motorcycle helmet.
The owner reacted and then the would-be robber hit him on the head with the pistol, causing an injury. Despite his injury, the 73-year-old continued to react and managed to push the perpetrator out of the store. The unknown man was then seen entering a vehicle waiting for him outside the store. The complainant was taken to the Larnaca General Hospital, where his wound was sutured and he was discharged.
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The Police arrested a 28-year-old man last night in connection with an investigated case of drug trafficking.
As part of the actions to identify persons who import drugs into the Republic, following relevant information received from YKAN, members of the Service, in cooperation with officials of the Customs Department, shortly before 7 p.m. yesterday, stopped a 28-year-old man, who arrived in Cyprus from a foreign country, at Larnaca airport.
The 28-year-old interrogated allegedly admitted that he was carrying drugs in his body. He was taken to Larnaca General Hospital, where after medical examinations, it was found that there were a large number of foreign objects inside his body and he was kept for treatment.
So far, this person has expelled from his body six egg-shaped packages with a quantity of cocaine, with a total gross weight of approximately 60 grams.
In a procedure held today at the Larnaca General Hospital, an eight-day detention order was issued against him, for the purpose of investigating the case, while he is still being treated under guard.
The examinations continue by YKAN Larnaca.
