Trial begins for deaths of police officer and man in Chalkidiki accident

A trial has commenced at the Mixed Jury Court of Thessaloniki regarding the deaths of 46-year-old police officer Maria Zafeiri and a 33-year-old man. The incident occurred on April 5, 2025, on the Nea Moudania–Sarti provincial road near Agios Nikolaos in Chalkidiki.

Witness testimony described a chaotic scene where a speeding van struck the two pedestrians before colliding with another vehicle. The 33-year-old man was reportedly dragged for several meters. Officer Zafeiri, a mother of four, was providing assistance to the injured man when she was struck by the vehicle. She passed away in the hospital on June 14.

Two defendants are facing charges: a 27-year-old accused of intentional homicide in a calm state and failure to provide assistance, and a 63-year-old driver charged with negligent homicide. The 27-year-old denied the charges, stating a fight occurred but denying he killed anyone. The driver expressed regret but maintained his innocence. Defense lawyers for the younger defendant have requested a forensic medical examination to clarify the circumstances of the 33-year-old's death.