The 37-year-old police officer accused of killing 16-year-old Roma teenager Kostas Fragoulis appeared before the Mixed Jury Court of Veria this week. The incident occurred in December 2022 during a police chase in western Thessaloniki, after the teenager allegedly drove off from a petrol station without paying for €20 worth of fuel.

In his testimony, the officer claimed he acted in self-defence, arguing that the vehicle driven by Fragoulis posed a threat to his colleagues, who were following on motorcycles. He insisted that he had aimed at the tyres of the vehicle rather than intending to cause harm. Tensions rose in court when the victim’s father angrily confronted the officer, demanding that he tell the truth.

According to a report by news247, the officer stated he fired from a distance of 25 metres, again saying his aim was to stop the vehicle by hitting the tyres. He claimed he perceived an imminent danger to fellow officers, as the vehicle appeared to be heading straight for them.

A firearms instructor from the Hellenic Police testified during the trial that officers are not trained to fire their weapons while riding a motorcycle. He added that the likelihood of accurately hitting a target in such a situation is as low as 4%.

Throughout the hearing, the jurors – ordinary citizens – remained silent and did not ask any questions. Emotions ran high when members of Fragoulis’ family addressed the defendant, urging him to be honest. The outburst lasted only a few minutes before order was restored.

The officer went on to describe the moment he fired, saying the vehicle had narrowly missed his colleagues and appeared to be deliberately targeting them. He said he lost sight of the motorcycle just before shooting twice. Once the car drove off, he said he gave thanks that his fellow officers were unharmed. He recalled how they took cover and shouted at the driver to exit the vehicle, uncertain whether he was still inside or had been injured.

Expressing deep regret, the officer told the court he never imagined things would end this way. He acknowledged threats made against his family by the victim’s relatives, saying he understood their anger – but warned that such pressure could “push anyone over the edge.” He concluded by saying the incident weighs heavily on him and will stay with him for the rest of his life.

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