A 23-year-old man has been charged in Greece after his 17-year-old girlfriend reported that she was physically assaulted and threatened for several hours during a domestic violence incident on the island of Rhodes.
According to the complaint, the couple, who had been in a relationship for around five months, had recently arrived on the island and were staying at a relative’s home.
Teen describes hours of abuse
The incident began after the couple spent the evening at a local entertainment venue on June 20. The teenager told authorities that the man became jealous and slapped her outside the venue, prompting bystanders to intervene. She said one of the witnesses struck him, further escalating his anger.
After returning to the house, the man assaulted her from around 3:30 a.m. until approximately 9:00 a.m., repeatedly punching and slapping her in the face, head and body. She also told investigators that he banged her head against a wall.
“There was no argument with words. He was hitting me,” the 17-year-old reportedly said.
She further stated that at one point he picked up a kitchen knife, causing her to fear for her life, although she said he did not point it at her.
According to her statement, he threatened her by saying, “I’ll break your teeth and burn you,” and “I won’t leave you alive.”
Relative intervened
The incident ended when the relative hosting the couple intervened and restrained the man. The following morning, the relative reportedly took both individuals to a police station and encouraged the teenager to report what had happened.
She subsequently filed a formal complaint with the domestic violence unit of the Rhodes Police Department, and the 23-year-old was arrested later that day.
Suspect denies charges
During questioning, the defendant denied assaulting the teenager inside the house. He also rejected claims that he used the knife to threaten her, saying he simply picked it up from a table and moved it aside while telling her not to be afraid.
He has been charged with repeated domestic assault and repeated domestic threats.
The court postponed the case to examine the possibility of criminal mediation with the involvement of the Juvenile Prosecutor. A hearing has been scheduled for January 24, 2028.
The defendant was released pending trial under restrictive conditions, including a ban on approaching the teenager within 100 meters and a prohibition on contacting her by any means.
