The family of George Giannopoulos, who was murdered by James Dalamangas, has expressed anger and disappointment over reports that the suspect would not be extradited to Australia, while Greek authorities clarified that no final decision has been issued.
Giannopoulos’ sister, Toula Giannopoulou, speaking from Australia, said the family felt betrayed after hearing reports suggesting that Dalamangas would remain in Greece.
“I will always be grateful to Angeliki Nikolouli and her team,” she said, referring to the Greek investigative television program Fos sto Tounel, which helped bring attention to the case.
According to Giannopoulou, the family was informed on June 22 that Australian authorities had received information about a possible decision not to proceed with the extradition.
“I turned on the television and everywhere they were reporting that Dalamangas would not be extradited. I would like to know how such a decision was made without official legal documents from Greece. For us, it was unacceptable,” she said.
The family, which has Greek roots, said it hoped the final outcome would be different and pointed to the extradition agreement between Greece and Australia as a reason for optimism.
“The disappointment is huge, but we hope the final decision will be different,” Giannopoulou said.
Confusion over extradition reports
The reports about Dalamangas not being extradited were later clarified, with information indicating that the update shared in Australia was not based on a final judicial decision regarding the case.
According to reports, the information concerned a general explanation of Greece’s legal framework on extraditions rather than a specific ruling on Dalamangas.
The final decision on the extradition request will be made by Greek judicial authorities after they receive and fully examine the case file.
Key witness says he fears Dalagkas’ release
The developments also raised concerns for the key witness whose testimony led to Dalamangas’ arrest.
Speaking about the possibility that Dalamangas could remain free, the witness said he feared retaliation.
“If he is not extradited and is released, I don’t know what I will do. The judges know better. I spoke because I believed it was the right thing to do and I wanted justice to be served,” he said.
“I am afraid he will consider me responsible for his arrest. Even today, I am afraid to step outside my door,” he added.
The witness said Australian authorities contacted him once after Dalamangas’ arrest, informing him that he would receive the available reward and assistance with housing. However, he said those issues were not his motivation.
“I said what I knew and I did what I believed was right,” he said.
Giannopoulou said the family is collecting signatures that will be sent to officials, including government representatives and ambassadors, while hoping the case will continue receiving attention until justice is achieved.
The extradition process remains pending, with the final decision expected to follow the review of all legal documents and evidence by the Greek authorities.
