Limassol, Cyprus. Relatives of eight-year-old Stavros Pidias and his 62-year-old grandmother Margarita Theodorou, who were shot dead during the July 15, 1974 coup, said the killings continue to affect the family more than five decades later.
Speaking to the Cyprus News Agency, Stavros’ cousin Spyros Christodoulou and Margarita’s granddaughter Georgia Theodorou recounted the events at the family home in the Ayios Ioannis area of Limassol.
Gunfire near the police station
The family had gathered for breakfast at Margarita Theodorou’s home on Milos Street when fighting broke out near the police station.
According to Christodoulou, his father and uncle had earlier gone to collect weapons to help defend the station. They returned home after deciding the firearms provided were too old to use.
He said a military jeep later approached the area before gunfire erupted.
Fatal injuries
“All of us who were on the veranda dropped down,” Christodoulou said, adding that his grandmother and young cousin were struck by bullets while inside the house.
Stavros was fatally wounded in the head, while Margarita sustained fatal chest injuries. Stavros’ mother, Nafsika, was also injured.
“I was holding my cousin in my arms, and I was shouting to him, ‘Stavros, what happened to you, Stavros, wake up,’” Christodoulou said.
Lasting impact
Georgia Theodorou said the family’s account should be heard.
“It’s a story that I think needs to be heard,” she said.
