Three people, aged 53, 18, and 16, have been arrested and formally charged over an assault at a school in Plati Aglandjia on October 25, police confirmed on Wednesday.

All three were released to appear before court at a later date. For the 16-year-old, police said they followed the legal provisions of the children’s law.

The incident occurred during a school event on Saturday evening, when a 14-year-old student was allegedly beaten by a minor who was not enrolled at the school.

The student’s father came to the scene, and was reportedly assaulted by a group of six additional individuals.

The attack prompted local residents and citizens’ groups to organise a peaceful protest on Tuesday, calling for increased security and safety for children at the gymnasium.

The protest took place in the old Aglandjia square, and participants prepared a resolution to demand stronger safety measures, which will be submitted to the government.

Education Minister Athena Michaelidou described the incident as “a very serious act of violence” and expressed satisfaction with the timely action taken by the police.

Speaking on CyBC radio, she clarified that the incident does not count as school violence as it happened outside school hours during a parents’ event.

“Above all, we are concerned with the safety of the school, ensuring that children feel and are safe during school hours,” the minister said.

She added that the ministry is working on several levels, including prevention and early support to help children build confidence, report unusual behaviour, and say no when necessary.

Michaelidou confirmed to the Cyprus News Agency that the installation of cameras at the school is moving forward and that security staff may also be deployed.

“Although we do not want our schools to feel like prisons, and we want them to remain spaces of creativity and joy, we are compelled by recent events to act on this level. The camera installation programme is now proceeding at the Plati school as well,” she concluded.

A meeting is also scheduled for later on Wednesday between the president of the school’s parents’ association Andreas Pierides, and the head of Nicosia police to discuss measures to prevent similar incidents.

Pierides said the state must act to restore a sense of security and tranquillity.