The prosecutor's proposal has recommended a guilty verdict for the broker and jeweler charged in the murder of Zak Kostopoulos, also known as ZackieOh. The prosecution dismissed claims of self-defense and refuted allegations that Kostopoulos's death resulted from heart failure.

Trial of Jacques Kostopoulos: Prosecution suggests guilt of the defendants
The prosecutor has recommended a guilty verdict for the real estate agent and the jeweller accused in the murder of civil rights activist Zak Kostopoulos, also known as ZackieOh. The prosecution rejected claims of self-defence and refuted allegations that Kostopoulos’s death resulted from heart failure.

Dimopoulos and Hortarias are on trial in the second degree for the fatal beating of Kostopoulos. The trial is taking place in room D120A, 6th floor, Court of Appeal of Athens (Loukareos). In the first-degree trial, both defendants were sentenced to 10 years in prison for causing Kostopoulos’s death.

Defendants’ Claims

The real estate agent’s defence:
On Monday, the broker claimed in his apology that he intended to help Zak Kostopoulos, not harm him. He argued that his actions were driven by “instinctive altruism” and claimed, “I went to help Kostopoulos. If I had known what would happen, I would not have interfered. I did it with good intentions, not bad. I was really saddened to hear that he passed away. But I wasn’t afraid, because I know what I did. One bruise cannot kill someone.”

The jeweller’s defence:
The jeweller stated that he did not intend to inflict serious harm on Kostopoulos. He claimed his goal was to keep Kostopoulos in the store until the police arrived. “He came to the window and tried to get out. I didn’t want to hit him; the goal was to keep him in the store so the police could find him,” he said. The jeweller admitted to hitting Kostopoulos 2-3 times, adding, “I didn’t intend to hurt him badly. I wanted to protect my property.”

The trial continues as the court deliberates on the prosecution’s recommendation and the defences presented by the accused.

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