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Authorities in Cyprus say support measures are being put in place for a 14-year-old girl who gave birth after an alleged rape, along with her newborn baby, in a case that has deeply concerned the public.
The Office for the Protection of Children’s Rights said it moved quickly after learning about the case through media reports, according to Commissioner Elena Pericleous.
Speaking to the Cyprus News Agency, Pericleous said the focus is not on the criminal investigation but on making sure the teenager and her baby receive proper care and protection.
“Our priority is that the 14-year-old has the support and care she needs, together with her baby,” she said. “We will look into the case from that perspective.”
She added that authorities will also review the girl’s schooling and how her school responded, while ensuring she is surrounded by a stable support network moving forward.
On the criminal side, police say the investigation is ongoing. A 19-year-old suspect, a third-country national, is currently in custody in connection with the case.
Police spokesperson Vyronas Vyronos said officers could not comment further due to the sensitivity of the case involving a minor.
The case has triggered concern across the island, particularly over the protection and support systems in place for vulnerable children caught in serious abuse cases.
![A Cypriot officer walks next of a sign bearing US and Cypriot flags at the site of a new helipad planing construction at the Evangelos Florakis naval base in Mari on April 17.[Petros Karadjias/AP]](assets/modules/wnp/articles/202604/28234/images/s_papandreou_airforce_base_cyprus.jpg)
