The fatal shooting of a 20-year-old in Argos has triggered intense public reaction after Mayor of Argos-Mykines Giannis Maltezos posted comments on Facebook defending the police officers involved and questioning the conduct of the victim’s mother, igniting a new round of debate on social media.
Maltezos, a member of New Democracy’s political committee, expressed his full support for the two officers, describing them as family men who acted under conditions of extreme pressure. He also raised questions about the mother’s handling of her son’s situation, prompting a range of reactions.
He asked how someone could let a young person facing serious problems drive dangerously and put innocent citizens’ lives at risk, adding that if society condemns officers for every misstep made under extreme pressure, the message that sends is destructive.
In his post, the mayor described the city as going through a “deep crisis” following the tragic incident, and said the pretrial detention of the two officers “fills us with concern,” calling it neither a presumption of guilt nor a way to satisfy public opinion, but “an extreme restrictive measure.”
He described the two defendants as officers with over 20 years of honest frontline service and no prior record, and suggested that media coverage may have influenced the judges’ decision, arguing that judges should rule based on the letter of the law rather than under the weight of television publicity.
Maltezos also pointed to the broader difficulties police face, citing low pay, inadequate resources and insufficient training, warning that if society keeps condemning officers, “tomorrow the thief will be inside our home and no one will risk stepping in.”
He closed by stressing that Argos needs policing, and a police force with standing and confidence, reiterating his “absolute and sincere” support for the two officers and their families, and voicing trust that Greek justice would prevail with legal correctness and composure, away from outcry and political motives.
