Volos court rules on dispute between neighbors over COVID-19 precautions

A court in Volos, Greece, has issued a ruling following a physical altercation between two elderly neighbors that originated during the 2021 COVID-19 lockdown period.

The dispute began when a 73-year-old man approached his 72-year-old neighbor while she was cleaning her sidewalk and asked why she would not speak to him. The woman explained she was avoiding him due to fears of contracting the coronavirus because he was not maintaining social distance. This response led to a confrontation where the man allegedly insulted the woman and struck her in the ear. The woman responded by striking the man on the head with a broomstick.

Following the incident, both parties filed lawsuits against one another. The Volos Misdemeanor Court acquitted the woman of charges including simple bodily harm, insult, and slanderous defamation. The man was acquitted of a threat charge but was found guilty of insult and intentional minor bodily harm. He received a six-month prison sentence, which was suspended.