# Sifis Valyrakis death trial: Appeals filed against acquittal > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/sifis-valyrakis-death-trial > Updated: 2026-10-19T10:27:31.000Z. Sources: 55. Developments: 4. The legal proceedings regarding the 2021 death of former minister, historian, and prominent PASOK official Sifis Valyrakis in the Eretria maritime area have concluded with an acquittal, which is now being challenged. The Mixed Jury Court of Athens reached its verdict following more than 60 court sessions and a year-long judicial process. The court acquitted the two brothers, who are professional fishermen, of the charges of intentional manslaughter in a calm state of mind. The decision was made with a 6-1 majority, with only the presiding judge dissenting and arguing for a conviction. The trial centered on allegations by Prosecutor Panagiotis Iliopoulos that the defendants engaged in a dispute with Valyrakis, performed dangerous maneuvers with their vessel, and struck him at least two or three times with a wooden pole, causing him to fall into the sea. Forensic reports indicated approximately 15 sea-related injuries, which were consistent with propeller strikes occurring while the victim was still alive. The prosecution further claimed the defendants abandoned the victim without notifying maritime authorities. The defendants had consistently denied all charges, maintaining the incident was a tragic accident. Following the verdict, the defendants and their legal counsel expressed relief, describing the decision as a vindication of their innocence. In response to the verdict, the family of the deceased is appealing the acquittal. Legal representative Zoi Konstantopoulou announced that a formal request for an appeal would be submitted to the Athens Prosecutor of Appeals on October 13, 2026. Konstantopoulou maintained that the defendants are guilty, citing the presiding prosecutor’s minority opinion. The legal team also criticized the Union of Greek Prosecutors for an announcement made on October 9, 2026, labeling it an “unacceptable intervention” intended to prevent the appeal and reframe the case. ## Claims - The presiding judge dissented, arguing that the defendants should have been found guilty. (disputed by 8 sources) - The presiding prosecutor expressed a minority opinion supporting the guilt of the defendants. (disputed by 3 sources) - The two brothers faced charges of joint manslaughter with intent in a calm state of mind. (corroborated by 14 sources) - The incident occurred on January 24, 2021, in the maritime area of Eretria. (corroborated by 13 sources) - The Mixed Jury Court of Athens acquitted the two defendants with a 6-1 majority vote. (corroborated by 10 sources) - The prosecution alleged the defendants used a wooden pole to strike the victim at least 2-3 times. (corroborated by 8 sources) - The prosecutor requested that the two brothers be found guilty. (corroborated by 4 sources) - The prosecutor alleged the defendants left the victim helpless in the sea and failed to assist in locating his body. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The family of Sifis Valyrakis is filing an appeal against the acquittal of two fishermen. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The appeal request will be submitted to the Athens Prosecutor of Appeals on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at 12:30. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The legal team scheduled a press conference at the Athens Bar Association for 16:00 on October 13, 2026. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The Union of Greek Prosecutors issued an announcement on the evening of Friday, October 9, 2026. (corroborated by 3 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-10-19: Athens Prosecutor appeals acquittal in Sifis Valyrakis death case The Athens Appeals Prosecutor has appealed the acquittal of two fishermen involved in the 2021 death of former minister Sifis Valyrakis. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/athens-prosecutor-appeals-acquittal-in-sifis-valyrakis-death-case ### 2026-10-12: Sifis Valyrakis family appeals acquittal of fishermen Lawyers representing the family of Sifis Valyrakis will appeal the acquittal of two fishermen, citing evidence of guilt and criticizing the Union of Greek Prosecutors for intervening in the case. 7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/sifis-valyrakis-family-appeals-acquittal-of-fishermen ### 2026-10-08: Fishermen acquitted in death of former minister Sifis Valyrakis The Mixed Jury Court of Athens acquitted two fishermen of joint manslaughter in the 2021 death of former minister Sifis Valyrakis, following a 6-1 majority vote. 29 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/sifis-valyrakis-death-trial-athens-court-to-deliver-verdict ### 2026-09-08: Sifis Valyrakis death: Prosecutor seeks conviction of two fishermen A Greek prosecutor has requested the conviction of two fishermen for premeditated manslaughter in the 2021 death of former minister Sifis Valyrakis near Eretria. 32 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/sifis-valyrakis-death-trial-prosecutor-to-deliver-proposal --- Cite as: Sifis Valyrakis death trial: Appeals filed against acquittal. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/sifis-valyrakis-death-trial