The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 06-01-02

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From: The Hellenic Radio (ERA) <www.ert.gr/>

CONTENTS

[01] On Pinios' Tributary Russian Found Dead

By Mary Lou Tzempelikou

Sources: NET, ANA

Russian criminal Maxim Zhiin was found dead shortly after 10am on Monday morning near Malakasiotis river, a tributary of River Pinios, 2km off the double murder scene. As per first information, Zhilin committed suicide using the gun he had taken from one of the police officers. The gun was located next to the Russian fugitive, who had only a T-shirt on. The body is being transferred to Lasissas General Hospital, where an autopsy is to be carried out. The Police Chief is expected to give a press conference at Kalabakas police station. Zhilin is believed to have followed the course of the river and managed to cross it to avoid being detected by polices trained dogs. However, he is likely to have committed suicide when he realised that there was no way out due to the raging river waters.

He Murdered Three People

It is noted that the inclement weather conditions that have been affected the area seriously hampered the police investigation.

Police forces rushed to the site and threw a cordon around the area. In the meantime, the news was a great relief to the residents of the nearby villages, since they had been worrying about their safety for three days running, given that Zhilin had been described as dangerous and ruthless.

On Sunday, police arrested the second fugitive, Albanian Ilmi Dada, 17, who took advantage of murder of the two police officers, also escaped and tried to get back to his country. Dada denied his involvement in the killings and argued that he had not planned the getaway with Zhilin.

It is noted that Zhilin had been arrested after committing an atrocious murder while hitchhiking on Corfu, where he killed the female driver of the car. In his testimony, he said he hitchhiked to rob any driver that would respond to his call to get money to return to his country.

Translated by Areti Christou

Related News:

Manhunt Continues

[02] For the Arrest of Maxim Zhelim Manhunt Continues

By Mary Lou Tzempelikou

The manhunt launched by the police for locating and arresting the dangerous Russian fugitive Maxim Zhelim, who killed the two police officers on Friday, is still under way. The 17-year-old Albanian Ilmi Dada, who had also escaped when Zhelim murdered the policemen, was arrested on Sunday. In his testimony, Dada declined the scenario that the escape had been planned between him and the Russian, denied his involvement in the double murder and explained that he took advantaged of the opportunity presented and broke free. Furthermore, he said to the police that 23-year-old Zhelim kept asking for the police van to pull over, quoting physical needs. At one of the stops, and after he was released from the handcuffs, he attacked the police officer, disarmed him, took away his gun and shot him. When the second police officer rushed to assist the first, the Russian shot him dead, as well. Dada argued that at the sight of the two police officers lying covered in blood, he was terrified and escaped trying to get back to his country, Albania.

Translated by Areti Christou

Related News:

One Fugitive Arrested

Manhunt Underway

Murderous Getaway

[03] Bride's Willing Brit Woman Weds Dolphin!

By Despina Hristopoulou

Israel may not allow gay marriages, yet this does not mean that marriages between humans and animals are also forbidden! And when we speak of animals, we certainly do not refer to the usual adjectives used by couples (adjectives that range from bunny to donkey), but we refer to real animals! Sharon Tendler, 41, a British millionaire and rock concert producer was the bride, while 31-year-old Cindy was the groom. But, where does the peculiarity lies? Cindy is a dolphin! His relationship with Sharon is already 15 years old. In fact, just for Cindys sake, Sharon kept visiting the famous Eliat dolphin reef at least twice a year over the last 15 years to spend some quality time with her beloved, since it was pretty difficult for him to visit her in London. So, just before 2005 rang out, the two sweethearts decided to tie the knot and Sharon asked the dolphins trainer for Cindys fin in marriage!

Translated by Areti Christou

Read the story on other sources:

ิhe times of India: Brit millionaire marries a dolphin!

The age: Woman weds dolphin

[04] Blast in Athens Storehouse

By Mary Lou Tzempelikou

Sources: NET

A makeshift bomb that went off in a storehouse on Anaxagoras Street in Tavros, Athens, caused extensive damages. The windows of the nearby buildings were smashed, whereas four vehicles sustained damages. A police probe is under way. The street remains closed-off so that the police investigation is facilitated.

Translated by Areti Christou

[05] In Ukraine Russian Plane Crashes

By Despina Hristopoulou

Sources: Associated Press

The fate of the three passengers on board a small Russian plane, which went down near the Ukrainian city of Kharkiv, is still unknown, reported Interfax news agency. It was a Bay-125 plane en route from Moscow to the Ukrainian city of Kharkiv, but it crashed 3 or 4km before reaching the citys airport, said the news agency, citing the Russian Emergency Situations Ministry.

Translated by Areti Christou

[06] Trial of Cypriot MEP Commences

By Despina Hristopoulou

Sources: ANA

Cypriot MEP Marios Matsakis is expected to be tried today on the Turkish-occupied side of Cyprus. The court martial referred the MEP to trial because the latter removed a Turkish flag the occupation army had raised on an outpost in the dead zone near the Turkish-Cypriot village of Louroutzina. The trial will commence as long as the relevant brief is ready by 2 at noon. If not, the MEP will be released. Mr Matsakis was arrested on 31/12 by the occupation army, when along with a Pole MEP serving as a Dean to the European Parliament, crossed the Ledra Palace checkpoint to offer, as he said, presents to President Mehmet Ali Talat.

Illegal Arrest

Yesterday, Mr Matsakis claimed that he does not recognise the so-called Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus "as no one in abroad does." However, he made it clear that he is willing to provide the necessary explanations regarding his move to dip the Turkish flag in the village of Louroutzina. He added that his arrest was illegal and constitutes a gross violation of his constitutional rights, as well as of his rights as a Member of the European Parliament.

Marios Matsakis said that he carried presents for Mehmet Ali Talat and a letter wishing for a solution to be found in 2006. However, he mentioned that the presents were confiscated and the letter was opened and added that such a move was illegitimate.

The Turkish-Cypriot Foreign Affairs Minister Serntar Denktas argued that Mr Matsakis was arrested for entering a military zone, for attempting to enter the Turkish-Cypriot side from a non-authorised checkpoint and for insulting the Turkish flag.

[07] Deadline by March 31 Applications for Student Grant

By Despina Hristopoulou

Sources: อลิ

Submitting applications for the 1,000-euro student grant starts as of today, while March 31 is the closing date. Along with the applications, university students should also submit a certificate issued by their school verifying the year of their studies, a lease contract and a copy of their parents tax return. Studying at least 40km off their homes and coming from families, whose income does not exceed 30,000 euros, are absolute prerequisites. The above limit is increased by 3,000 euros per child.

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