The court has rejected the request for suspension submitted by convicted real estate agent, Michalis Hortarias, in the ongoing trial for the murder of LGBTQIA+ activist Zak Kostopoulos. During a tense moment in the proceedings, as Hortarias' lawyer described the financial hardships the broker would face if he remained in prison, the prosecutor interjected sharply, stating, "While maggots are feeding on Zak in his grave," referring to Kostopoulos. The prosecutor then recommended rejecting the request, a decision the bench upheld, with only one dissenting judge.

Three witnesses testified during the hearing, detailing the financial repercussions that an extended sentence would place on Hortarias, citing his struggles with significant debts. They also discussed the care required for his ailing relatives, including his father-in-law, his elderly bedridden mother, and his brother, whom the court heard were dependent on his support. Despite these arguments, the prosecutor remained unmoved.

The prosecutor’s final recommendation to reject the suspension was delivered firmly, acknowledging the high-profile nature of the case but reaffirming his belief that Hortarias’ continued imprisonment was necessary. In a dramatic moment, the prosecutor stood, slamming his hand on the bench, and insisted that his decision would remain unchanged, no matter how many times the trial was held.

Following this, the court’s bench retired to deliberate. Upon returning, the president announced the rejection of the suspension request, with only one judge dissenting.

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