During a Nicosia district court hearing, the family liaison officer assigned to Stylianos Constantinou, a 15-year-old who took his own life in 2019, testified to severe neglect and abuse in his home. She described alarmingly poor living conditions, including infestations and violence, involving both parents. The officer detailed Stylianos’ significant learning difficulties, aggression, and social challenges indicative of prolonged mistreatment.

The witness recounted her involvement beginning in 2010, highlighting concerns raised early on about Stylianos’ hygiene and safety, including reports of domestic violence between his parents and towards him. Despite efforts such as setting goals to improve his environment in 2011, the child’s relationship with school staff deteriorated amid his escalating behavioral issues. His tragic death later prompted a government investigation revealing failures by social services and police to intervene effectively.

The trial continues with 11 defendants, including Constantinou’s parents and social welfare employees, facing scrutiny over their roles in the circumstances leading to his death. Following his passing, his younger siblings were removed from the family home for their protection.