A prosecutor at the First Instance Court has recommended that six police officers stand trial on charges of torture, dangerous bodily harm, and illegal detention in connection with the case of Vasilis Maggos. The officers, four from OPKE (the Crime Prevention and Suppression Unit) and two from the Volos Security Department, are accused of subjecting Maggos to torture as a form of punishment, causing serious bodily harm, and unlawfully detaining him.

However, the prosecutor has also proposed that Maggos’ parents, Ioannis Maggos and Aikaterini-Eudoxia Mourtzopoulou, be excluded from participating in the trial as supporting parties to the prosecution, meaning their legal representatives would not be allowed to address the court.

The case of Vasilis Maggos

In June 2020, Vasilis Maggos, a self-proclaimed anarchist, described his unprovoked detention, beating, and torture by Volos police in a Facebook post from his hospital bed. Almost a month later, he was found dead in his home, sparking widespread legal and public scrutiny into police brutality. His case became a symbol of excessive force and impunity within Greek law enforcement.

Details of the prosecutor’s recommendation

According to a statement from Maggos’ father, the prosecutor’s charges against the officers include:

  • Torture with intent to punish – a felony offense.
  • Dangerous bodily harm by complicity – intentionally causing injury and damage to health.
  • Exposure – failing to prevent harm despite a legal obligation to do so.
  • Illegal detention – unlawfully depriving Maggos of his freedom of movement.

The prosecutor has determined that there is substantial evidence to support these charges and has proposed that the officers be referred to trial at the Mixed Jury Court of the Larissa Court of Appeals. The recommendation also includes maintaining the existing restrictions on the accused, including a travel ban and financial guarantees.

Key developments in the case

  • In February 2023, following an appeal by Maggos’ family, the Larissa Appeals Prosecutor ordered a supplementary investigation into the police officers’ alleged actions.
  • The Ombudsman’s report in 2021 was a crucial development in the case, highlighting police misconduct. The report, which was included in the Ombudsman’s annual special report on police violence, led to new evidence emerging against the accused officers.
  • On January 20, 2025, three of the accused officers will face trial at the Volos Single-Member Misdemeanour Court on charges of dangerous bodily harm by complicity. However, if the Council of Misdemeanours confirms the prosecutor’s recommendation, these three officers—along with three others—will face trial at the Larissa Mixed Jury Court of Appeal on the full range of charges.

Awaiting the court’s decision

The final decision now rests with the Volos Misdemeanour Court Council, which will determine whether the case proceeds to trial. If the council agrees with the prosecutor’s recommendation, the six officers will be formally referred to trial at the Mixed Jury Court of Larissa.

______________________________________________

Are you seeking news from Greece presented from a progressive, non-mainstream perspective? Subscribe monthly or annually to support TPP International in delivering independent reporting in English. Don’t let Greek progressive voices fade.

Make sure to reference “TPP International” and your order number as the reason for payment.