Sifis Valyrakis case sparks legal appeals and political disputes

The acquittal of two defendants in the case regarding the death of former politician Sifis Valyrakis has triggered intense legal and political disputes in Greece. Zoi Konstantopoulou, lawyer for the Valyrakis family and leader of Plevsi Eleftherias, has alleged the existence of a ‘deep state cover-up mechanism’ and announced an immediate appeal to the Athens Prosecutor of First Instance.

Konstantopoulou criticized the court's decision, noting the discrepancy between the prosecutor's request for conviction and the final verdict. She further accused PASOK of complicity in a ‘deep state’ through its silence regarding alleged pressures placed on Valyrakis's widow. PASOK responded by rejecting these claims, stating the party has always stood by the family and calling the accusations ‘politically dangerous’.

The Association of Greek Prosecutors issued a statement condemning unsubstantiated personal accusations of cover-ups against prosecutors. The Association emphasized that while judicial decisions can be criticized, personal attacks without evidence undermine the credibility of the justice system and its independence.