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The Nicosia District Court has taken a careful middle ground in the heartbreaking case of 14-year-old Stylianos, who died by suicide in 2019 after years of alleged abuse.
On Thursday, the court rejected the defense’s request to see the full investigative report compiled by criminal investigators, saying doing so could risk the rights of third parties. At the same time, the judge ordered that all collected evidence, witness statements, documents, and other materials must be handed over to the defense, whether prosecutors plan to use it or not.
“This ensures a fair trial while protecting the rights of others,” said District Judge Pavlos Agapitos, emphasizing that the investigators’ conclusions remain confidential, separate from the raw evidence.
What the case is about
The trial doesn’t focus only on Stylianos’ tragic death. Prosecutors allege years of abuse and neglect, mainly by his father, and question whether state social workers failed to protect him at various stages. The indictment lists 218 charges against 11 people, including both parents and nine social welfare officials.
The court’s ruling allows the defense to review all the factual material collected during the investigation, but not the investigators’ opinions or conclusions. “The final judgment rests with the court, not with the investigators,” the judge clarified.
Next steps
Hearings are scheduled for April 7, 20, and 30, 2026. The decision ensures the defense has the evidence it needs, while the court tries to balance transparency with fairness for all parties involved.
This case has drawn public attention in Cyprus, highlighting child protection issues, accountability in social services, and the responsibilities of families and the state in preventing tragedies like Stylianos’.
