The Cyprus Ministry of Social Protection initiated an urgent investigation after a citizen reported a disturbing incident near a juvenile correctional facility.
The woman gave the Alpha TV channel a video recording in which the desperate screams of a child, left for an unknown reason in the courtyard of the institution, can be heard.
In the recording, the child cries loudly, begs to be let back in and repeats the phrases: “Help”, “I want to go to my mother”, “Madam..., open up for me.” These words caused shock and outrage among the audience and caused widespread public reaction.
According to an eyewitness who was so shocked by the situation that she immediately called the Citizen Line, the child could have been behind a closed door for almost an hour, without any reaction from the staff. She sent the message at approximately 11:15 am.
About thirty minutes later, a patrol—one male and one female police officer—arrived at the establishment. The witness claims that literally a few seconds after their arrival, the door of the shelter finally opened and the child was allowed inside.
Social care services confirmed they were carrying out a full review, including reviewing footage, interviewing staff and assessing the children's living conditions. The agency notes that such cases are considered a priority due to the high sensitivity and risk for minors.
Against the backdrop of this case, Cypriot human rights organizations called on the state to step up control over institutions for children, as well as speed up reforms in the field of protection of minors, which have been discussed in the country since 2023.
Source: alphanews.live
