In an emotional and harrowing testimony at the Mixed Oratory Court, the mother of Kiriaki Griva, the 28-year-old woman brutally murdered by her ex-partner in Agioi Anargyroi, revealed disturbing details about the abuse, control, and violence her daughter endured. The courtroom was filled with grief as she described a pattern of coercive behavior, surveillance, and threats that ultimately led to her daughter’s tragic death.
The witness recounted how the accused monitored every move of the victim, even going so far as to install GPS tracking on a smartwatch he had gifted her. ‘He was watching her through GPS. She told me she saw him circling around the house. Eventually, it was proven,’ said the grieving mother.
She also detailed the psychological manipulation and jealousy exhibited by the accused. ‘He would get jealous over nothing—because someone greeted her. He controlled what she wore, what she said, and how she acted. He wanted total control and told her, ‘You are mine,’” she testified.
The mother further revealed that Kiriaki had confided in her about sexual assault by the accused. ‘She told me the same day it happened. I told her to report it. When she came home, she received threats from his mother,’ she added.
When asked why victims often stay silent or remain in abusive relationships, the mother admitted, ‘I didn’t tell anyone. Most women keep these things to themselves. But now things are changing. Women are coming forward.’
Emotionally overwhelmed, she reflected on her own guilt and pain: ‘How many times have I asked myself why I allowed this? I went along because my child wanted it.’
The court also heard how, just days before the murder, Kiriaki had found the strength to leave. ‘She saved money, rented a house, and moved out. My husband helped her move. I provided her daily meals. The accused followed her—he came the night before with a knife he brought from Arta.’
The mother also confirmed that her daughter carried threatening letters from the accused in her bag. ‘He wrote good, bad, manipulative words. He threatened me and my other children.’
Overcome with grief, she pleaded with the court to return her daughter’s personal belongings. ‘Please, I want her bloodied clothes and her phone. I’ve promised. I need to have them.’
Despina Kalia, as she introduced herself, spoke of her daughter’s innocence and love for life. ‘Kiriaki was a kind soul who only knew how to give love. Why did she deserve five stab wounds?’ she cried.
Even today, she sends messages to her daughter’s phone, hoping against hope. ‘I can’t accept that my child left by human hand and not by God’s will. I send her messages and wait for a reply. I see her in my dreams.’
Tensions flared during the hearing when the prosecutor’s questions were criticized for being too harsh. The trial was adjourned until July 8 amid emotional outbursts and courtroom confrontations.