Trial in 2019 death of 14-year-old Stylianos postponed due to change in legal counsel

The Nicosia District Court postponed the criminal proceedings regarding the 2019 death of 14-year-old Stylianos after a change in legal representation for one of the defendants. The defendant, a social welfare officer, is now represented by lawyer Victor Akamas, who requested time to review the evidence and clarify the legal basis of the charges. The charges involve 218 counts against 11 people, specifically focusing on neglect of official duty under Article 134 of the Penal Code for the social worker. The defense argues that the prosecution has failed to specify the precise legislative provision underlying the alleged breach of duty. While the prosecution did not object to a postponement, they disputed the requested duration of 1.5 months. Judge Pavlos Agapitos subsequently rejected the 1.5-month request and scheduled the next hearing for March 17 at 10:00 a.m. The case involves a massive amount of evidence, reported to be contained in 15 archive boxes.