Trial continues regarding the death of 14-year-old Stylianos

The Nicosia District Court held a hearing regarding the death of 14-year-old Stylianos, who died following a suicide attempt in May 2019. Criminal investigator Andreas Andreou provided testimony under cross-examination by defense lawyer Chloe Loizidou, who represents one of the social welfare officers accused in the case. Andreou testified that the information available to the Social Welfare Services at the time justified classifying the case as high-risk. The defense argued that investigators failed to sufficiently examine issues related to the reorganization of the services, the training of temporary staff, and the specific working conditions of the accused officer. Andreou rejected these claims of negligence, asserting that the investigation was conducted as thoroughly as possible. The defense specifically questioned the training provided to the accused official, who was employed on a temporary contract between November 2018 and November 2019. Andreou maintained that all staff members were required to comply with departmental regulations and procedures regardless of their status. The case continues to center on the handling of the victim's situation following reports of a suicide attempt to the social welfare authorities.