Nicosia, Cyprus. Proceedings continued on Tuesday before the Nicosia district court in the trial concerning the 2019 death of 14-year-old Stylianos Konstantinos, with three police officers giving evidence for the prosecution. The case is examining alleged failures and abuse within the family environment.
Defence challenge to indictment dismissed
Defence lawyer Viktor Akamas, representing a social welfare services employee identified as “accused 3”, challenged the indictment, arguing that although his client faces 18 charges, there is no clear legal basis outlined for the alleged duty she is accused of neglecting.
Akamas said the omission undermines “the right to a fair trial” and the preparation of her defence.
Prosecutor Elena Constantinou rejected the argument, maintaining that the indictment is sufficiently detailed and that the relevant legal framework “emerges from the evidentiary material”.
The court, presided over by Pavlos Ayapitos, dismissed the request, ruling that the charges adequately define the alleged offences and that the existence of a specific legal duty will be assessed later in the trial.
Scope of the case and charges
The case centres on a total of 218 charges against 11 individuals, including the child’s parents and nine social welfare officials, linked to alleged acts and omissions leading up to the boy’s death.
The father faces accusations including physical and psychological violence and “cruel or inhuman treatment”, while the mother is charged with failing to report known abuse. Social welfare officials are accused of neglect of duty.
Police testimony on prior complaints
Testimony focused on a series of complaints made by the child’s mother to police over several years.
A police officer informed the court that in September 2009 the mother reported frequent arguments with her husband and said she feared for her life.
What do you think the court will focus on next as the trial continues?