In an attempt to protect minors, Despo Michaelidou had asked Paphos Hospital to give a court to give a time to court.
The awarding of justice has never been an easy task, especially when minor witnesses and victims are in the center. Former Criminal Court Judge and current Commissioner for the Protection of the Rights of the Child, Despo Michaelidou, spoke on the radio of “P” and the “Second Look” show about the difficulties she faced during her term of office, as she has served as a judge.
The challenges of the past
Indicatively, according to the Commissioner, “when I was president of the Criminal Court, the procedures were very primitive in examining minor abuse cases” since then, there were no special units to manage such cases, nor appropriate places for children. The minor witnesses had to testify with a physical presence in court, which often confronted them with the accused. “We had cases of kindergarten children who had to testify, frightened and unprepared,” notes the Commissioner for the Protection of the Rights of the Child, referring to the time he was a judge.
In an effort to protect minors, Despo Michaelidou had asked the Paphos Hospital to give a court to give the court to make the children in contact with the accused when entering the room.
Modern conditions
Today, the process has evolved significantly. “There is now the special unit for sex crimes, as well as the” child’s home “, where specialized psychologists receive children’s deposits through teleconference,” the Commissioner explains. This means that minors no longer need to be with a physical presence in court, thus avoiding the psychological burden of direct confrontation with the victim.
The deposits are filmed and evaluated by experts, ensuring both the accuracy of the statements and the protection of the minor witness. “It is a blessing for our country the existence of the ‘child’s home’, as few countries in Europe have such structures,” he says.
Judge’s emotional burden
Judges dealing with such cases are often faced with intense emotions. “It wasn’t easy. Many times I had a knot in my throat, and within me I felt angry, not only to the defendants, but also to the lawyers who humiliated children and victims, “he reveals.
The work of a judge does not only stop at the protection of victims. Many times it should also make difficult decisions for minor offenders when there are no alternatives beyond imprisonment. “I had a minor who came from a abusive environment and had committed serious offenses. Although he was given opportunities with suspension, the escalation of his actions led me to the difficult decision to send him to prison, “he said.