Remains of a three-month-old infant remain at Nicosia General Hospital two years after death

The body of a three-month-old infant, who died in July 2024 under poor living conditions in Nicosia, has remained in the Nicosia General Hospital mortuary for two years. Charalambos Charilaou, spokesperson for the State Health Services Organization (OKYPY), confirmed the situation following reports by journalist Katia Savva. Legal procedures are the primary cause for the delay in burial. According to official protocols, after an autopsy is performed, the coroner—a judicial officer—must authorize the release of the body. While relatives can usually claim a body even during pending legal cases, this instance involves a lack of interest from family members to take custody of the remains. Consequently, the Forensic Service requires a formal order from the coroner to proceed with burial, which can only be issued upon the conclusion of the criminal trial against the parents. As the court proceedings remain ongoing, the state is currently unable to inter the infant.