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[CRIME] · Greece · 29 sources

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Fishermen acquitted in death of former minister Sifis Valyrakis

The Mixed Jury Court of Athens has acquitted two professional fishermen of joint manslaughter with intent in the death of Sifis Valyrakis, a former minister and prominent PASOK official. The verdict was reached with a 6-1 majority, with only the presiding judge dissenting and arguing for a guilty verdict.

The case dates back to January 24, 2021, when Valyrakis was found dead in the maritime area of Eretria. The prosecution had alleged that the defendants engaged in a dispute with Valyrakis and struck him with a wooden pole at least 2-3 times, causing him to fall into the sea where he subsequently sustained fatal injuries from boat propellers.

The trial lasted approximately one year and included over 60 sessions involving numerous witnesses and forensic evidence. While the prosecutor, Panagiotis Iliopoulos, argued that the evidence pointed to criminal behavior and abandonment of the victim, the court ultimately found the defendants not guilty. The defendants and their legal counsel have expressed relief, stating the verdict is a vindication of their innocence.

Entities

Eretria · Mina Papatheodorou-Valyrakis · Mina Valyrakis · Mixed Jury Court of Athens · PASOK · Panagiotis Iliopoulos · Sifis Valyrakis

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