Case of an unburied infant in Cyprus

A three-month-old infant who died in July 2024 in Lakatamia, Cyprus, remains unburied in the Nicosia General Hospital mortuary. The parents, a 25-year-old Pakistani father and a 23-year-old Greek mother, are currently on trial at the Assize Court, facing charges of manslaughter and child neglect. Reports indicate the child was living in poor conditions, showing signs of severe neglect, malnutrition, and insect bites at the time of death. While the parents requested permission to conduct the funeral, legal uncertainty persists regarding whether burial can proceed before the trial concludes. A coroner has reportedly issued a burial order, yet the lack of relatives to claim the body has complicated the process. State officials suggest that local authorities or the Church may eventually need to intervene to ensure a proper burial, as the parents remain in custody. Legal experts have noted that the body is not required as evidence, as autopsy reports are sufficient for court proceedings.