Teacher testifies on institutional failure in Stylianos case

On September 11, 2026, a teacher identified as E.S. testified before the Nicosia District Court regarding the 2019 death of 14-year-old Stylianos. During cross-examination, the witness stated that she had repeatedly informed school administration about reports of domestic violence she received from Stylianos when he was her first-grade student during the 2010-2011 school year. She asserted that she did not conceal any information and noted that four multi-disciplinary meetings were held regarding the child’s situation during that academic year.

The teacher admitted that the state failed to adequately protect the child, a statement that has sparked broader discussions regarding systemic gaps in child safeguarding. During the proceedings, defense lawyer Konstantinos Kazantzis challenged the witness, arguing that her reports on the child’s aggression were subjective pedagogical observations and that she could not definitively know the reality of the child’s home life. The trial continues as the court examines the accountability of institutional authorities in managing the case, following the teenager's tragic death seven years ago.