The trial over the killing of 28-year-old Kyriaki Griva begins today at the Athens Mixed Jury Court. Her former partner stands accused of murdering her on the night of April 1st 2024, just outside the Agioi Anargyroi police station – where Kyriaki had gone in search of police escort home due to imminent threat. There, she was told, "patrol cars aren't taxis." In addition to the 39-year-old accused killer – who now claims mental health issues and says he remembers nothing of that night – four police officers will also face trial. They are being prosecuted for felony-level neglect leading to death, as they had a duty to protect her and are alleged to have failed in that responsibility.

The main defendant faces serious charges: premeditated murder in a calm state of mind, illegal possession and use of a weapon, and drug-related offences.

On the night of the attack, Kyriaki had gone to the Agioi Anargyroi police station accompanied by a friend, seeking help. She was being stalked, harassed, and threatened by her ex-partner. Prior to arriving, she had contacted the emergency response service to ask for a police escort home, only to be dismissed with the now-notorious line, “patrol cars aren’t taxis.”

Moments after leaving the station, she was ambushed right outside its entrance. The 39-year-old man was waiting for her and stabbed her five times. She collapsed and died just a few metres from the guard booth, with the station’s sentry present during the attack.

This lack of action by the police is now under criminal investigation. A case file has been opened against the officers for lethal negligence through omission, due to their failure to act despite having a legal duty to protect.

The case is being handled by an investigating judge, who is expected to summon the following officers to testify:

  • the supervisor who was present when Kyriaki arrived at the station,
  • the duty officer she spoke with,
  • the guard stationed at the entrance, and
  • the emergency dispatch officer who told her “patrol cars aren’t taxis.”

“I don’t remember anything,” says the accused

Just days before the trial began, the defendant issued an apology from prison, claiming he was under the influence of drugs and has no memory of what happened.

During his earlier testimony to the magistrate, he cited psychological problems and past hospitalisations, maintaining that he recalls nothing of the killing.

However, the court ruling that sent him to trial firmly rejected these claims. It found that he was fully aware of his actions and had carried out a premeditated, calculated attack, having stalked Kyriaki in the hours – and possibly the day – leading up to her murder. The motive, according to the ruling, was her refusal to continue their relationship after enduring his abusive behaviour.

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