Strong reactions have followed the Greek judiciary’s decision not to extradite James Dalalangas to Australia. Dalalangas, a 56-year-old Greek-Australian man, is accused of murdering fellow Greek-Australian George Giannopoulos in a Sydney casino 27 years ago — a crime for which he has been wanted by Australian authorities for over three decades.
A Decades-Long Hunt Ends — But Without Trial
After fleeing Australia in 1999, Dalalangas lived in hiding in Aegio, Greece, until his recent arrest. His capture sparked hope among Giannopoulos’s family that justice would finally be served — only for that hope to be dashed when Greek courts ruled against extradition.
Speaking to Live News, family members described the decision as ‘a slap in the face’. ‘When the number one fugitive on Australia’s most-wanted list was arrested on the other side of the world, we believed justice would be delivered,’ they said. ‘Today we learned that Greece refuses to extradite him to Australia.’
Father’s Anguish
George Giannopoulos’s father spoke exclusively to Live News, expressing profound disappointment and anger. ‘He must not walk free in Greece. He must come to Australia to stand trial here. He is an Australian citizen — he even entered the country using fake documents. If Greece keeps him there, it will be deeply embarrassing for Greece,’ he said.
Why Extradition Was Blocked
Greek judicial authorities declined extradition because Dalalangas holds Greek citizenship and — crucially — the alleged crime falls under Greece’s statute of limitations. Under Greek law, homicide charges expire after 25 years; the killing occurred 27 years ago. Legal experts note that had an Australian court issued a conviction in absentia, extradition would likely have proceeded without question.
‘If there had been a guilty verdict handed down by an Australian court in his absence, extradition would have been mandatory,’ explained lawyer Yiannis Glykas during the broadcast.
Australian Media React
Australian media outlets have responded with skepticism and frustration. ‘There’s nothing we can do. We can’t send a team to fetch him — our hands are tied,’ reported local outlets, adding that the matter now hinges on diplomatic pressure at the embassy level. ‘This is where the issue shifts to political diplomacy: maintaining strong bilateral relations while urging Greece to reconsider.’
Though Greek police successfully arrested Dalalangas just weeks ago, all indications suggest he will never face trial in Australia for Giannopoulos’s murder. ‘We believed we’d get justice — instead, we’ve taken a slap in the face from Greece. It’s unacceptable. We demand answers. Why is he being protected? Why won’t he be sent back?’ the family stated.