Teacher testifies in Nicosia court regarding death of minor Stylianos

The trial regarding the death of a minor named Stylianos, which occurred in September 2019, continued this week at the Nicosia District Court. A teacher (S.M.), who taught the child during the second and third grades of primary school, provided testimony regarding the boy's living conditions. The witness described the child as unkempt, often wearing oversized shoes and exhibiting poor hygiene, though he characterized the student as selfless and kind-hearted, noting that he would save food to share with his siblings.

During cross-examination, the teacher denied claims of school bullying, asserting that he was frequently present in the classroom and at recess. The defense lawyers for the parents and a social welfare officer questioned the witness on discrepancies between his court testimony and his original statement to criminal investigators. The teacher explained that his emotional state during the initial investigation influenced his responses.

The proceedings also addressed incidents where physical marks were observed on the child's body. The teacher testified that he and a school attendant discovered marks under the boy's shirt and reported the incident to the school principal and the Social Welfare Services. He claimed that the social worker arrived at the school days later, by which time the physical signs of injury had already faded.