Court proceedings continue regarding the 2019 death of 14-year-old Stylianos

The trial regarding the death of 14-year-old Stylianos Constantinou in September 2019 continued this week at the Nicosia District Court. During the proceedings, a former special education liaison officer, A.T., who worked at Agia Varvara Primary School between 2011 and 2015, testified about the systemic failures in handling the child's case. The witness noted that she frequently communicated with Social Welfare Services (SWS) staff regarding reports of abuse, including instances between 2011 and 2012 where the child alleged he was beaten by his father, citing one specific occasion where the child arrived at school bearing marks from a belt.

Defense attorneys representing the parents and the SWS official questioned the witness on her internal procedures and the reliability of information received from colleagues. The liaison officer emphasized that her efforts, and those of her colleagues, were focused on ensuring the child's safety, though she acknowledged relying on reports from others rather than personal observation. She also faced questions regarding her assessment of the mother's alleged indifference toward the child's psychological needs, suggesting that a concerned parent would have sought medical assistance for the boy, who appeared depressed and neglected. The trial continues as the court examines the professional conduct of those responsible for monitoring the family.