Nicosia, Cyprus. Questions over the responsibility of a senior social services official in the handling of the case of 14-year-old Stylianos Constantinou dominated proceedings before the Nicosia district court on Tuesday, as defence lawyers challenged evidence regarding alleged omissions preceding the teenager’s death in 2019.
Cross-examination focuses on supervisory responsibility
The hearing centred on the cross-examination of criminal investigator Andreas Andreou by lawyer Costas Nikolaides, who represents the fourth defendant, a social services officer accused in connection with the case.
Defence arguments focused on whether the official exercised any direct responsibility over the handling of the Stylianos file and whether evidence supported allegations that she failed to fulfil supervisory duties.
Defence disputes defendant’s role in case management
Nikolaides argued that the head of the Latsia welfare office had previously acknowledged giving instructions directly to another accused welfare officer regarding the case, while making no reference to the fourth defendant.
He submitted that the office head maintained direct access to the file, monitored developments and informed senior management, making her the primary authority responsible for the case.
Investigator maintains official had oversight role
Andreou disputed that interpretation, maintaining that the defendant’s role as coordinator meant she should have been informed about the matter and exercised oversight of subordinate officers.
He told the court that her participation in a meeting concerning Stylianos demonstrated knowledge of the case and involvement in its management.
Records and meeting attendance raised in court
The defence further argued that the defendant’s presence at the meeting resulted from instructions received through the administrative hierarchy rather than from any operational responsibility for the case itself.
Andreou responded that she attended because she possessed knowledge of the matter and acted as an intermediary supervisory officer.
During questioning, Nikolaides pointed to official records prepared by another accused welfare employee which, he argued, contained no references to the fourth defendant.
