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Sifis Valyrakis death trial: Appeals filed against acquittal

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What changed

2026-10-12 21:24 UTC → 2026-10-19 11:18 UTC · added ~~removed~~

Sifis Valyrakis death trial: ~~Defendants acquitted~~ Appeals filed against acquittal

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.~~ 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.

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