A 13-year-old boy sustained a skull fracture during recess at his school in the western Greece region of Patra, which has led to the arrest of five 14-year-old students and accusation of systemic bullying.

The victim’s father claims that his son was being bullied by the group of students – and that it was not the first time that he has been targeted by the students.

Meanwhile, the five students involved in the incident have been charged with causing bodily harm but claim that the victim was participating in a challenge, of his own will, and was injured as part of the process.

Local authorities are investigating the incident and particular concern has been raised over the lack of appropriate supervision on the school’s grounds during recess.

The Incident

According to media reports, the victim was dropped on his head by the boys and sustained a head fracture. The child was initially taken to a nearby hosptial for treatment.

“He is in good general condition. All necessary clinical and laboratory tests have been conducted. Despite the skull fracture, his clinical condition is stable and reassuring,” said the hospital’s director, Aspasia Rigopoulou.

The victim’s father refutes the version of the story put forth by the arrested minors, and told Greek media: “He didn’t participate in any challenge. They lifted him into the air and let him fall. They told him, ‘we’ll lift you up and hold you,’ and then they dropped him. I filed a police report so that other children will think twice. We know who did it.”

An eyewitness confirmed, “They had him in their arms, threw him high, and then everyone stepped back. He tried to get away, but they held onto him against his will.”

The five minors were charged with causing bodily harm to a vulnerable person but were released following a prosecutor’s verbal order. They deny the allegations and claim the 13-year-old willingly took part in the challenge.

The father told press that his son has been subject to ongoing bullying. “He’s been bullied by these kids for a while. He didn’t get hurt during some game. They said they’d throw him in the air like players from Panachaiki football club. He didn’t say yes or no because he was afraid of the consequences. They threw him up and let him hit the ground, head first.”

Authorities Investigate

Police spokesperson Konstantia Dimoglido stated, “This incident must be thoroughly investigated. Testimonies need to be collected from all classmates, including the injured child.”

“This is a deeply troubling event. The process has been set in motion and the responsible authorities will handle it. We hope for the child’s full recovery,” added Eleni Bechliouli, president of the Parents and Guardians Association of Patras.

The local Secondary Education Directorate attributed the incident to a lack of supervision during recess. Teachers are now under investigation for negligent bodily harm.