Μake us preferred on Google The appeal trial over the murder of Kyriaki Griva, who was killed just meters from the entrance of a police station in Athens, was postponed Wednesday to Febuary 15, 2027, because of the illness of the defendant’s defense lawyer.
The case was heard before the Mixed Jury Court of Appeals in Athens, where the defendant is challenging his first-instance conviction.
At the original trial, he was found guilty of intentional homicide while in a calm mental state, with no mitigating circumstances, and sentenced to life imprisonment.
The defendant was absent from Wednesday’s hearing, while Griva’s entire family was present as they awaited the start of the appeal proceedings.
Family asks for trial to continue
Following the defense’s request for a postponement, the lawyers representing Griva’s family said they respected the defense lawyer’s health problem but asked the court to interrupt rather than postpone the trial, allowing the case to proceed and justice to be served.
During the brief hearing, the family’s lawyers also raised the issue of the defendant’s continued detention in a psychiatric hospital, arguing that there are no grounds for him to remain there. They have previously raised the issue publicly and in formal statements, describing his treatment as “scandalous.”
After deciding to postpone the trial, the presiding judge stressed that the case should be heard without further delay because of its sensitive nature.
Judge warns case should not be prolonged
The judge told the lawyers representing the family that the proceedings could not be allowed to drag on.
“I point out to all sides that, because of the sensitivity of this case, it cannot drag on,” the presiding judge said.
One of the lawyers representing the family responded: “It has no sensitivity.”
The judge then replied: “Why do you say that, Mr. Counsel? I believe you have been informed that some police officers have also been referred for trial.”
The reference was to other police officers who have been referred in connection with the case.
The witnesses left the Court of Appeals hoping that the trial will go ahead at the next hearing. The family and witnesses are seeking justice for the circumstances surrounding Griva’s killing outside the Agioi Anargyroi Police Station.
